Derry based podcast featuring a host of local talent launched

A podcast written by a local man and featuring Derry talent has been launched this week

‘LOCKED IN’, by Brogan Wakeley, is the story of how a quiet pint can sometimes take an unexpected turn.

The two main characters Sam and Mickys’ search for a drink takes a turn when a strange encounter takes them on a journey that neither expected.

Brogan explained that the two friends go out for a pint and ‘end up getting stuck in a lock in due to weird and wonderful circumstances going on outside’.

Ironically, ‘LOCKED IN’ was recorded during lockdown and although all the cast are based in Derry, some of them have never physically met or even spoken to each other.

Brogan, who has directed short films and theatre in the past, said he always wanted to create a podcast.

“I am a huge fan of all different types of podcasts and I wanted to make one that I would enjoy listening to. I currently work for the Verbal Arts Centre on a project called Third Space. I work with young people in the community at risk and teach them how to use cameras.

“Podcasts are something that always come up with the young people because many YouTubers are now hosting podcasts as well, they are really popular.”

Each actor has been responsible for recording their lines individually at home and while Brogan has been guiding them, each of the cast members have ‘taken a bit of ownership’ of their character.

“I am actually in the podcast, I wasn’t planning to be but it worked out that way,” Brogan explained. “I record my lines on an audio recorder, I then clean down the equipment and drop it outside the house of the next actor. There are five cast members in the first episode and three of us used the same recorder.”

Brogan said he is ‘proud’ of the standard of the podcast, despite the challenges lockdown created for the recording.

“There has been a major adjustment to every aspect of our lives and the way we have created this podcast has been no different.

“It has brought us together and given us focus during this very difficult period of social distancing. We believe it is important for our mental health to come together and be creative during these testing times,” he added.

“We needed something positive to focus on and I am quite proud of the standard of the material we have created.”

A new episode will be released every Monday. To find out more visit: https://www.lockedinpodcast.com/