Stepping Up Radio Play is a new audio drama, adapted and directed by Olivier Bonnardot from the play of the same name, by Irish playwright Joan Lally. Drawing on Joan’s own experiences as a therapist and activist, the story captures the cultural and political atmosphere surrounding the immigration protests in Oughterard in 2019.

Set in Galway City, Stepping Up Radio Play follows the emotional journey of Aisling Kelly, the youngest daughter of a fictional Irish family. When Aisling begins counselling, she finds herself at a crossroads—haunted by the past and uncertain about the future.

Everything begins to shift when Aisling meets Kamali, a gentle young man from Zimbabwe, living in Ireland’s Direct Provision system. As their relationship deepens, so too does Aisling’s understanding of love, injustice, and the courage it takes to truly see another person.

The radio play is available for free until the 30th of September 2025 on podcast platforms, including Ko-Fi, Spotify, Apple Music, Youtube. If you would like to support the project you can make a donation on Ko-Fi (https://ko-fi.com/steppingup). The donations will help cover the cost of producing the radio play and start a real stage production in Ireland.

Credits

Co-authors: Joan Lally and Olivier Bonnardot

Director: Olivier Bonnardot

Editors: Olivier Bonnardot and Stan Quarterman

Music: Ruth Fitzgerald, Mia Fitzgerald and Thomas Bonnardot

Actors :

Fiona Claffey-Kelly as Aisling (the daughter)
Vusi Thabethe as Kamali (the refugee)
Michelle Costello as Sheila (the mother)
Johanne Webb as Claire (the therapist)
Robert Holden as Marty (the father)
Sinead Hackett as Mags (the aunt)

Chart: Apple Podcasts – Ireland – Fiction

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