Merry Christmas from Sean and BBC Radio 4 Drama Serial 'HOME FRONT' ...

Sean performs a Christmas Carol in the BBC Radio Drama Serial 'HOME FRONT'.

In an attempt not to ruin your festive period, here's a little prior notice about my involvement in an episode of BBC Radio 4's World War One drama serial 'Home Front'. Rather than being heard in my regular guise of Folkestone baker Ernie Moore, in the episode transmitting tomorrow 23rd December 2014 called '23 December 1914 - Sylvia Graham' at about 9 minutes in you should hear a lone voice singing 'It Came Upon The Midnight Clear', it MAY remind you of someone!! http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04vdzy5?fb_ref=Default

'BATTLE LINES' wins Runner Up Award at the Imperial War Museum's Short Film Festival 2014 in the First World War Commendation category.

'BATTLE LINES' - Runner Up in First World War Commendation category at the Imperial War Museum's Short Film Festival 2014.

Great news for 104 Films and the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT) short film 'BATTLE LINES', a great achievement for all involved. 

A little moody selfie as Alf Robertson in 'BATTLE LINES'.

In marked contrast, here's my 'BATTLE LINES' wife played by ex 'EMMERDALE' actress Anna Brecon with the very talented Laurence Saunders playing Sergeant Cole, having fun on set.

World War One deaf drama 'BATTLE LINES' gets Television Premiere on Film 4 at 8am on Monday 10th November 2014

Father and son, Alf Robertson (Sean Connolly) and Arthur (Sean Noone).

Excited to announce that the ambitious short film I worked on in the summer will receive in British TV Premiere on Monday 19th November at 8am on FILM 4. If you'd like to watch the film 'on-line' then head over the British Sign Language (BLS Zone) website at http://www.bslzone.co.uk/watch/battle-lines/ on or after the 10th November.

'BATTLE LINES' has also been short-listed for three awards at the Imperial War Museum's Short Film Festival 2014, for Best Creative Response, First World War Commendation and finally, for Audience Vote. Good luck to everyone involved. The winning films will be announced on 1st December. 

'MORE CANALS THAN VENICE' just misses out on a Midlands RTS Award

A great honour to be nominated for an RTS Midlands Centre Award.

Had a terrific time last night at the Royal Television Society Midlands Centre Gala Dinner & Awards 2014 held at the National Motorcycle Museum with the good folk of The Birmingham Film Company, where we were hoping to scoop the Best Factual Programme Award for 'MORE CANALS THAN VENICE'. It was the last award of the evening, unfortunately it was not to be this year! Fantastic to meet old colleagues and friends and also make new acquaintances. Well done to everyone at The Birmingham Film Company for producing such an excellent documentary. The standard of the nominations was quite staggering this year!

Friends, colleagues and hangers on from The Birmingham Film Company, all dressed up with definitely somewhere to go!

Hitchcock inspired thriller 'iWITNESS' receives Premiere screening.

Some members of the cast and crew celebrate after the 'iWITNESS' screening in Birmingham. 

Cast and crew screening for Steve Rainbow's thriller 'iWITNESS' (104 Films/Ark Media Productions) at the Mockingbird Theatre, Custard Factory tonight ... from left to right; Steve Rainbow (writer & director) David Proud, Aymie Jay, yours truly and the very talented Lauren Hatchard who was our D.O.P. The film was edited by Philip Arkinstall and James Connolly. The Custard Factory was also the location for the premiere of the feature I produced 'THE CASEBOOK OF EDDIE BREWER' in March 2012. I hope our good fortune spreads to Steve's film!

Sean Connolly as John's Dad in 'iWITNESS'

Birmingham documentary 'MORE CANALS THAN VENICE' is nominated for a Royal Television Society Award.

Terrific news for The Birmingham Film Company who have been short-listed for an RTS (Royal Television Society) Award for the fascinating documentary 'MORE CANALS THAN VENICE'. Steve Rainbow directs and presents 100 facts about the great city of Birmingham, with lots of surprises along the way. I was fortunate to be involved as an Associate Producer, as well as recording all of Steve's narration at my home studio and I'm also IN IT presenting a fact about 'THE ARCHERS'!! The ceremony is to be held on October 30th. There's some tough competition in the Best Factual Programme category, so fingers crossed! Here's the article announcing the news ...

Tune in today at 12.04pm to BBC Radio 4 and listen to 'HOME FRONT' ... Meet The Moore's - Family Bakers.

The complete Moore family are revealed on BBC Radio 4's WW1 drama 'HOME FRONT'.

Almost 2 months have passed since BBC Radio 4's new radio drama series 'HOME FRONT' first aired. It's my first episode today as likeable Folkestone Baker, Ernie Moore. My wonderful 'on-air' family includes my real and 'on-air' wife Bella Hamblin as Hilda and our sparky daughter Jessie played by the ridiculously talented Lucy Hutchinson. Bella has been on everything from The Archers to Coronation Street and Lucy has some very impressive credits including Ridley Scott's ALIEN franchise prequel 'PROMETHEUS'. The episode will be available on the BBC's iPlayer here, in perpetuity (for a long time!) ... 

'HOME FRONT' BBC Radio 4 introducing The Moore's - Folkestone's Family Bakers; Bella Hamblin (Hilda), Lucy Hutchinson (Jessie) and Sean Connolly (Ernie)

Sean's dulcet tones to be heard once again as 'PEAKY BLINDERS' Series One is repeated.

Series One of 'PEAKY BLINDERS' gets a welcome repeat showing as Series Two is nearly upon us.

To mark the start of Series 2 of the epic Birmingham based crime drama 'PEAKY BLINDERS', BBC 2 are airing the whole of Series One starting tonight Monday 15th September at 11.20pm. It concludes on Sunday 21st with a double episode finale. If you listen very carefully you might be able to pick out my ADR (dubbing) work on this first series. 

Series 2 starts on BBC 2 on Thursday 2nd October at 9.00pm. 

Sean visits the BFI celebrating the comedy legend that was Phil Silvers aka SGT BILKO.

Celebrating Phil Silvers as Bilko and beyond at the BFI, London with Cathy Silvers and Graeme Garden - August 28th 2014.

Wow what an amazing night last was. 700 Bilko-philes met at a sold out BFI on the South Bank for an evenings celebration of the great man. Phil's daughter Cathy Silvers was there and I had the very great honour to meet her. I have been a Phil Silvers fan (particularly in his Bilko guise) whilst at drama school in the mid 80s, so much so that I had dedicated dozens of VHS tapes to the recording of the series from late night BBC 2. I had a Bilko book and a list of all the episodes, so I set to work. I managed to grab 113 episodes of the 142 made, until the BBC stopped showing it, not bad going! I showed Cathy my list and she signed my 30 year old reference book, very special! Two comedy legends were also in attendance on the night, 'Goodie', Graeme Garden OBE and Barry Cryer OBE, (both of whom were clearly big fans), making up the celebrity discussion panel. A wonderful night organised by the BFI to celebrate all things Phil Silvers and the release of the entire Bilko series on DVD for the very first time. Many thanks to Steve Everitt and Mick Clews from the UK Phil Silvers Appreciation Society for all their hard work.

Sean's on the TELLY! CBeebies TV show 'LITTLE PRAIRIE DOGS' is REPEATED this AUGUST.

Sean's on the telly!!

WATCH/LISTEN OUT for me on the CBEEBIES CHANNEL from tomorrow Monday 11th - Friday 22nd August 2014 at 9.30am and 1.30pm. where I can be SEEN/HEARD in the 10 PART SERIES 'LITTLE PRAIRIE DOGS'. I provided all the male prairie dog voices and the wonderful Kate Sachs covers all the female voices. The series is also available for a limited time on the BBC iPlayer.

It's a family affair for Sean ... as the brand new BBC Radio 4 Drama Serial - 'HOME FRONT' starts.

New ground breaking BBC Radio 4 drama serial 'HOME FRONT' starts its epic run. 

I can be heard soon in BBC Radio 4’s ground-breaking radio drama serial 'HOME FRONT'. 
It commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the start of the First World War. The first episode can be heard today at 12 noon. I play the regular character of Folkestone Baker, Ernie Moore in Season 1 opposite my ‘on-air’ and ‘real-life’ wife Bella Hamblin. The series will then continue for the next FOUR years, reflecting the events of the war as they unfold in real time. 'Home Front' is directed by Jessica Dromgoole and Lucy Collinson and is recorded at The Mailbox - BBC Birmingham.

Aardman Animation's Cult Classic 'REX THE RUNT' gets a welcome repeat.

Aardman Animations claymation classic 'REX THE RUNT' gets late night airings. 

For all you night owls … ‘REX THE RUNT’ for which I voiced over 30 characters in the 13 part Second Series for AARDMAN ANIMATIONS, continues to enjoy late night/early morning repeat transmissions on UK TV stations. Later on tonight the episode entitled 'SLIM BOB' gets a REPEAT on GOLD at 2.45am. 'REX' also turns up on Watch and Dave. Check individual listings for further details. The British Comedy Guide also has information on transmission dates.

'REX THE RUNT' Season Two available to buy.

Both series of 'REX THE RUNT' are now available to buy on iTunes for the bargain price of £1.89 per individual episode or £4.99 for the whole of Season One and £5.99 for Season Two ... Of course I have a penchant for Season Two ... anyway at those prices it's a no brainer!

Oscar Long-Listed Animated Short 'PAPA'S BOY' voiced by Sean is now AVAILABLE TO BUY from iTunes.

The Oscar Long-Listed Animated Short 'PAPA'S BOY'.

'PAPA'S BOY' is now available from iTunes

For those of you who have followed my work on the 'PAPA'S BOY' Animated Short which narrowly missed out on an Oscar Nomination in 2012. I am very pleased to announce that it is available to BUY from iTunes as part of a special collection. 'THE CHOPIN SHORTS:KIDS' is a collection of animations made by award winning directors, produced to accompany the Puppet Animation film 'THE MAGIC PIANO'. All the Chopin Shorts are set to a Chopin etude performed by the world renowned Chinese pianist Lang Lang. 'PAPA'S BOY' in Pixar style animation tells the story of 'BILLY ELLIOT' but with mice and a very fat greedy cat! It's a very sweet film, beautifully animated, no dialogue and voiced entirely by little me and I am immensely proud to be associated with it.

‘PAPA’S BOY’ (ISAN POIKA), was made by the Oscar nominated BreakThru Films and Ink & Light. It was Oscar Long-Listed in the Best Animated Short category. Writer and director was Leevi Lemmetty.

Audio version of 'GASLIGHT' starring Sean and Emilia Fox is now available at a bargain price.

Audio version of the classic stage play 'GASLIGHT' starring Sean and Emilia Fox.

SPECIAL OFFER - For a limited time only 'GASLIGHT' is available to download for only £3.99!

Cast of 'GASLIGHT': Rosemary Smith, Sean Connolly, Emilia Fox, Terry Molloy and Helen Oakleigh.

RELEASED by FANTOM FILMS, Sean stars opposite Emilia Fox (Silent Witness, Merlin, The Pianist) in a BRAND NEW audio version of the classic theatre piece. Also starring Terry Molloy (Doctor Who, The Archers), Rosemary Smith (Sherlock) & Helen Oakleigh.

The following is from the French’s edition of 'GASLIGHT':

This classic thriller, set in Victorian London, was first produced in 1938. Jack Manningham is slowly, deliberately, driving his wife, Bella, insane. He has almost succeeded when help arrives in the form of a former detective, Rough, who believes Manningham to be a thief and murderer. Aided by Bella, Rough proves Manningham’s true identity and finally Bella achieves a few moments of sweet revenge for the suffering inflicted on her.

It was terrific fun to play a real 'baddie' and a privilege  to work opposite Emilia Fox as my wife Bella. The fact that my real wife's name is also Bella, added a certain something extra to the recordings.

Sean shoots First World War film drama 'BATTLE LINES' from deaf perspective.

Some of the cast and crew of the First World War short drama 'BATTLE LINES': Patrick Cavendsh, Sean Connolly, Laurence Saunders, Anna Brecon, Annabelle Bevan, Sean Noone and Lucy Martin on set at the Black Country Museum.

Well July has been a very busy month for news, I've also just completed shooting on a Short Film called ‘BATTLE LINES’ set at the start of the First World War. 104 Films have produced the film alongside the British Sign Language Broadcasting Trust (BSLBT). Location for filming was the Black Country Museum. I play Alf Robertson, father to a deaf son (Sean Noone) who is desperate to go to war. Writer and Director is Julian Peedle-Calloo. Release will be later this year.

Poster art for Hitchcock inspired film 'iWITNESS' from 104 Films is revealed.

The 'iWITNESS' film poster.

The official poster for the feature film ‘iWITNESS’ produced by 104 Films has been revealed. Written and directed by Steve Rainbow, the film stars ex Eastenders actor David Proud as John. I play John’s world weary dad. The film will be released later this year.

Doctor Who Audio specialists Big Finish Productions release third adventure based on best selling RPG 'PATHFINDER'

‘PATHFINDER LEGENDS: RISE OF THE RUNELORDS - THE HOOK MOUNTAIN MASSACRE' from Big Finish Productions is released.

The second of the two adventures I recorded for Doctor Who Audio specialists BIG FINISH has just been released on CD and Download. ‘PATHFINDER LEGENDS: RISE OF THE RUNELORDS - THE HOOK MOUNTAIN MASSACRE’ is a non-Who series based on the best selling global role playing game by Piazo.

I play the dual roles of heroic ogre-killing ranger Jakardros Sovark, one of the last remaining Black Arrows and Haldmeer Grobaras, the rather unpleasant Mayor of Magnimar. Director for Big Finish was John Ainsworth.

A Jakardros Sovark character card and mini figure with Lord Mayor of Magnimar - Haldmer Grobaras. 

'STORIES FROM PARLIAMENT' - 'MAGNA CARTA AND THE EMERGENCE' how did the British Parliamentary system begin?

Available now from the Houses of Parliament website, the first of TWO audio dramas featuring graphic style artwork covering key stories around the rudiments of the British Parliament.

In ‘STORIES FROM PARLIAMENT - MAGNA CARTA’ I play both King John and Richard de Clare.

The writer for both dramas was Rob John and direction by Gordon Lamont. The dramas were recorded at the legendary Soundhouse Studios in London.

Please see the next post for the second video ‘STORIES FROM PARLIAMENT - SIMON DE MONTFORT’.

'STORIES FROM PARLIAMENT' - SIMON DE MONTFORT AND THE EMERGENCE OF PARLIAMENT'

Available now from the Houses of Parliament website, the second of TWO audio dramas featuring graphic style artwork covering key stories around the rudiments of the British Parliament.

In ‘STORIES FROM PARLIAMENT - SIMON DE MONTFORT’, I voice Simon de Montfort..

The writer for both dramas was Rob John and direction by Gordon Lamont. The dramas were recorded at the legendary Soundhouse Studios in London.

Please see the previous post for the first video, ‘STORIES FROM PARLIAMENT - MAGNA CARTA’.

Sean voices a Matt & Vince animated video for award-winning business software 'SALES-i'.

Still from the sales-i Animated Promo Video

sales-i is the award-winning business and customer intelligence software for product based sales people. The voice over for this animated guide to sales-i was recorded at my home studio. The two characters featured (pictured above) were voiced by myself and the multi talented Laurence Saunders, under the watchful ears of those clever chaps Matt & Vince aka Rapidpics, who also created the animated video.

Sean stars in award-winning short film 'BURIED'.

Sean Connolly as The Gardener in the Award Winning Horror Short 'BURIED' for 104 Films.

A Short Horror film I made in association with 104 Films, the BFI’s ‘First Light’ initiative and the Wilson Stuart School last year has won TWO awards. ‘BURIED’ was the Winner of Best Live Action Film at the Kids for Kids Film Festival 2013. The film also was the Winner of the Best All Shorts Film (age 16-19) at the National Youth Film Festival 2013 held at the Vue Cinema in Leicester Square, London. Fantastic news for 104 Films and the young people at the Wilson Stuart School special school in Erdington, North Birmingham.

ROBIN HOOD Audio Drama - 'HOOD - NOBLE SECRETS' by Spiteful Puppet just misses out on the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2014.

A great cast lead by Lee Ingleby (Phillip De Nicholay) including from left to right: Iain Meadows (Writer/Director), Harriet Kershaw (Kadha), Anthony Miles (Robert De Loxley), Damian Cooper (Scarlet), Sean Connolly (Brother Tuck), Peter Greenall (Little John), Sarah McKendrick (Marion), Lee Ingleby (Phillip De Nicholay) and Billy Miller (William De Warrene and Thomas De Rublard).

Well the great and the good gathered last night in the Radio Theatre at BBC Broadcasting House in central London for the BBC Audio Drama Awards 2014.

'Hood - Noble Secrets' had been amongst the finalists for this years awards. A great achievement for writer/director Iain Meadows, Exec Prod Matt Hopper and Composer Samuel Pegg in fact everyone at Spiteful Puppet with their very first audio production. It was not to be unfortunately with the eventual winner being Big Finish Productions with 'Doctor Who - Dark Eyes', slightly ironic really with Big Finish being one of my other 'sometime' employers. Congratulations to Big Finish and commiserations to Spiteful Puppet, maybe next year!

Sean starts shooting on a new film inspired by Hitchcock's classic 'REAR WINDOW'.

All aboard the 104 Films bus as filming commences on a new feature film called 'iWITNESS'.

Excited to just start filming on a feature film called ‘iWITNESS’ written and directed by Steve Rainbow. The film is a reworking of the Alfred Hitchcock classic ‘REAR WINDOW’ and is being produced by 104 FILMS. More details about cast and release date soon.

'HOOD - NOBLE SECRETS' by Spiteful Puppet nominated for BBC Audio Drama Awards 2014.

The previously mentioned, excellent audio re-working of Robin Hood - ‘HOOD (NOBLE SECRETS) PARTS 1 & 2’ by SPITEFUL PUPPET has been nominated for the 2014 BBC AUDIO DRAMA AWARDS. Fingers crossed for everyone involved. The ceremony is to be held on Sunday 26 January in the Radio Theatre at BBC Broadcasting House in central London. I hope to have news soon of further recordings involving BROTHER TUCK and the rest of the Merry Men with the uber talented guys at SPITEFUL PUPPET.

Multi award-winning British Independent Horror Chiller 'THE CASEBOOK OF EDDIE BREWER' available on Amazon.

Award Winning British Independent Horror Chiller 'THE CASEBOOK OF EDDIE BREWER' is now available to buy on Amazon.

I am excited to announce that the multi award-winning Horror Chiller that I co-produced, (I'm also in it!) ‘THE CASEBOOK OF EDDIE BREWER’ is NOW AVAILABLE to buy on DVD and BLU-RAY at AMAZON.

Eddie Brewer is played by the wonderful Ian Brooker ('HAROLD SHIPMAN', 'CASUALTY'), with a supporting cast which includes, Peter Wight ('BABEL', 'SECRETS & LIES', 'VERA DRAKE'), Tom Roberts ('2POINT4 CHILDREN', 'HUSTLE', 'CORONATION STREET'), Bella Hamblin ('THE FORSYTE SAGA', 'A TOUCH OF FROST'), Rob Stanley ('HOT HOT HOT'), Alison Belbin ('DOCTORS', 'TEACHERS'), Pablo Raybould ('LONDON FIELDS'), Greg Hobbs ('DOWNTON ABBEY', 'DOCTORS'), Rina Mahoney ('BLUE MURDER', 'CASUALTY') ...

Writer & Director is Andrew Spencer.