The BBC has officially unveiled a captivating preview of its upcoming television venture, Tall Tales & Murders. This highly anticipated dark comedic thriller features Ella-Lily Hyland, known for her role in the action-thriller Black Doves, leading a stellar cast. In this new venture, she portrays an unconventional nurse who gets swept up in a dangerous, high-stakes hunt for a legendary hoard of Celtic treasure.
Described as a chaotic, high-energy adventure reminiscent of a modern-day Bonnie and Clyde story, the television adaptation draws its inspiration from the celebrated nine-book literary collection known as the “Dublin Trilogy,” written by author Caimh McDonnell.
An Unconventional Care Worker and a Petty Convict
Scheduled to debut on television screens later this autumn, the narrative centers around Bridget, a care home worker based in Dublin. Bridget is far from your typical healthcare professional; she possesses a rather unorthodox and highly relaxed attitude toward her daily duties. Her caregiving methods range from reading terrifying gothic horror stories to her elderly patients at bedtime to offering casual, voluntary assistance with ending their lives—provided they make the request politely.
Bridget’s predictable, albeit bizarre, routine is completely disrupted when she crosses paths with Paul, played by Casey Walsh. Paul is a low-level offender who is desperately seeking any legitimate employment opportunity that will keep him from being sent to prison. When he successfully secures a position at the care facility, he is paired up with Bridget for a night shift that quickly spirals out of control.
The Hunt for Legendary Celtic Gold
The trajectory of their lives alters dramatically during their very first night shift together. A long-term comatose patient, portrayed by the prominent Game of Thrones actor Aidan Gillen, suddenly regains consciousness. This mysterious individual reveals himself to be the notorious, long-lost underworld figure Grinner McNair. Before slipping away, he drops a massive bombshell: he has hidden a massive, priceless fortune of Celtic gold underground.
This unexpected revelation sparks a frantic quest to locate the hidden treasure. For Bridget, the fortune represents a golden ticket to absolute financial liberation. For Paul, the stakes are even higher; finding the gold is his only hope of clearing his substantial debts to an intimidating local crime boss named Ma Baker, played by Derry Girls star Philippa Dunne.
A Dangerous Web of Rivals
Bridget and Paul quickly discover that they are not the only ones pursuing this legendary fortune. The duo must outsmart a variety of dangerous adversaries, including the ruthless rival gangster Wesley Swanson, brought to life by Peaky Blinders actor Packy Lee, who is determined to claim the spoils for himself.
Adding to the chaotic pursuit is the cynical and short-tempered investigator Bunny Ryan, played by Brian Doherty, who serves as an unorthodox protector for Paul. The talented ensemble cast is rounded out by Aisling O’Sullivan, who steps into the role of the care facility’s strict, commanding Matron.
From Page to Screen
This television project is a major collaborative endeavor, co-commissioned by BBC Northern Ireland and RTÉ, in partnership with Screen Ireland. The series was co-developed for the screen by Chris Addison alongside Stuart Carolan, the creative force behind the highly acclaimed crime series Love/Hate.
Audiences can look forward to the television debut of Tall Tales & Murders on BBC One and BBC One Northern Ireland when it premieres this coming autumn.
