Fermanagh actor/producer Michael Stranney is to star in a new comedy sketch show on BBC One Northern Ireland, starting in mid-January.

‘Dry Your Eyes’ is on BBC One Northern Ireland, on Monday, January 10 at 10.35pm, showcasing a brand-new cast of up-and-coming actors and writers fresh to our screens.

Iconic characters

It has been 15 years since the Hole in the Wall Gang first brought some iconic characters to the screen with the original Dry Your Eyes.

Producer Damon Quinn says: “We wanted to do something new with it. So, we held open auditions and picked the best performers and writers we could find. It’s been very exciting and lots of fun to make and we hope viewers enjoy it.”

The new on-screen cast comprises Niamh McAllister, Michael Stranney, Bernadette Brown, Diona Doherty and Cailum Carragher. “In fact,” says Damon, “We managed to pick actors from five of the six counties, including Antrim, Armagh, Derry/Londonderry, Down and Fermanagh. I just hope Tyrone doesn’t hold it against us!”

The new 30-minute one-off show brings a fresh batch of ‘cringeworthy creations’ who confront modern life in their own weird way, but speak with our uniquely local voice.

The new band of peculiar characters and sketches includes ‘Get The Peelers!’, featuring a man who is obsessed with “getting the Peelers” for any trivial reason.

‘Sorry, it’s my first day’, featuring a woman who tries too hard and only lasts the first day in every job.

‘Angry Tour Guide’, featuring a tour guide “with issues” who gets insulted at any perceived criticism of his beloved Northern Ireland.

‘Supermarket Loyalty Girl’, featuring a needy check-out assistant who is heartbroken if she thinks the store loyalty card is “spurned” by a customer.

Police officer

‘Northern Line of Duty’, that is not based on anyone, but he’s a police officer who works in England and can always get confessions with his intimidating, incomprehensible “Northern Irish Speak”.

This time, the Hole in the Wall Gang are working behind the camera mentoring the writers and actors.

In the director’s chair is Michael McDowell, who also directs Give My Head Peace and plays Billy the Cop.

Veteran comedian and Blame Game presenter Tim McGarry is Executive Producer.