Martin McNamara
Martin McNamara is an award-winning writer who has scripted radio dramas, stage plays, short films, and optioned feature scripts.
He also makes radio documentaries, worked as a TV news producer and been commissioned to write a non-fiction book.
He is based in London and his background is in journalism.
When Sean Became James
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When Sean became James tells the story of the making of Dr No and of the unique and very different groups of men who came together to accidentally create one of the most influential films of all time.
As Barbara Broccoli, the daughter of Cubby, and producer of the current Bond franchise recalled. ‘The original filmmakers were (producers) Cubby and Harry, (writer) Ian Fleming, (director) Terence Young and Sean Connery. They all created something extraordinary. They changed cinema history. They pushed the envelope.’
Published by SunRise Publishing.
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"A great read for those who love James Bond and the film industry"
"The fascinating background to Bond"
McNamara's adaptation of Brendan Behan’s Borstal Boy, starring Brendan Coyle, broadcast on BBC Radio 4 and BBC Sounds 2023.
Pick of the Week – The Observer, Sunday Express
Pick of the Day – The Sunday Times, Mail on Sunday, I newspaper, Daily Express, Radio Times
“Vivid dramatization…surprisingly tender” - The Observer
“Lovely adaptation” - Radio Times
"Top marks to McNamara and to the two Behans, man (Brendan Coyle) and boy (Johnny Holden)" - The Tablet
STILL AVAILABLE TO LISTENERS
Mosley Must Fall, BBC Radio Four
October 1936. Tensions are rising in the streets of East London as Oswald Mosley and his fascists prepare to march through the Jewish and Irish ghetto
BBC Play of the Week ,Critic's choice, Daily Telegraph, "Compelling drama" Mail on Sunday, "Engaging" Spectator
The story behind the play Listen here
My Cambodian Twin, BBC Radio Four
The true story of Annie Caulfield and her determination to complete her final travel book as she battled illness. Starring Pippa Haywood & Paul Ritter. Producer Emma Harding.
Pick of the Week, The Observer, Pick of the Week, Radio Four
'An uncompromising and moving paean to love, friendship and bloody- mindedness' The Times
STILL AVAILABLE TO LISTENERS
Archive on 4. From Inside: The Guildford 4 BBC Radio 4
Radio documentary telling the story of Paul Hill and The Guildford Four, based on Hill's prison letters, includes interview with Paul and readings from Jonjo O'Neill.
Produced by Mary Ward Lowery. Presented by Martin McNamara
Helped devise and co-produced 'Reasons To Be Cheerful', a Saturday morning factual entertainment show for BBC Radio Four, ran for three series
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Producer, 'The Parting Glass', documentary on the tragic history of Irish migration. Presenter Fintan O'Toole with guests including Colm Toibin​
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Freelance contributor to BBC Radio 4's 'From Our Own Corespondent', BBC Radio London and other broadcasters