BBC gets into the spooky spirit of Friday 13th with six comedy horror shorts

BBC gets into the spooky spirit of Friday 13th with six comedy horror shorts

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Friday, 13th October 2017
Credit: BBC

Whether you're staying in to avoid any surprises that Friday the 13th has in store or you're relishing the prospect of spooky TV delights, the BBC has six creepy comedy shorts ready to see you through the night. 

The up-and-coming Northern Irish comedy writers behind the five-minute Fright Shorts were found through an open call by BBC Writersroom in Belfast, seeking new scripted-comedy talent. 

The Halloween themed films include an unfortunate tale of two trick or treaters, a look into Death's daily routine, and a man desperately trying to make his date as he fends off the Evil Halloween Pigeon. 

Fright Shorts is a brilliant example of the previously undiscovered talent that BBC Writersroom has unearthed," said Keith Martin, Executive Producer of BBC Writersroom. 

"Working alongside BBC Comedy, Northern Ireland Screen and BBC Northern Ireland, Writersroom has produced six fantastically spooky comedy-shorts just in time for Halloween, proving even when writing for the undead, indigenous Northern Irish scripted comedy is alive and well.”

Derek VS The Evil Halloween Pigeon 

Derek is all set for his date when the Evil Halloween Pigeon attempts to sabotage his plans. However, the bird is the least of his worries as his flatmate, Gina, has plans of her own. 

Derek VS The Evil Halloween Pigeon was written by Martha Barnett and stars Gerard McCabe and Tara Lynne O’Neill.

The Grandmummy Returns

When tragedy strikes, best friends Paul and Dennis try to come to terms with what has happened, but their quick-fix plan leads to deadly consequences. 

The Grandmummy Returns was written by Peter Gray and stars Michael Liebmann, Gerard McCabe and Roma Tomelty.

The Visit

It's a hard job being Death. And the Donnelly brothers are not making it any easier for her when she arrives to take the man of the house with her.

The Visit was written by Michael McCullough and stars Dan Gordon, Chris Patrick Simpson, Julia Dearden and Eleanor Tiernan.

Costume Drama 

Two fancy dress shop workers are confronted by a vampire, a witch and a mummy, but its not their blood the surprise visitors are after. 

Costume Drama was written by Dave Kinghan and stars Peter Campion, Bronagh Waugh, Karen Hassan, David Elliott, Shane Todd and Jason Byrne. 

The Candy Gran

This eerie comedy short tells the story of two teenagers who get more than they bargained for when they trick or treat a sweet old lady. 

The Candy Gran was written by Stephen Large and stars Stella McCusker, Michael Stranney and Aimee Richardson.

The Worst Halloween Ever

The spooky short film tells the tale of socially awkward witch Emma, who plants a curse on her two flatmates which leads to them throwing the worst Halloween party imaginable.

The Worst Halloween Ever was written by Mary Flanigan and stars Louise Parker, Sophie Doran, Julie Lamberton, Ruairi Woods, Rosie Barry, Colan Kelly, Odhran McNulty and Lucy McConnell.

Fright Shorts are available on BBC iPlayer from today, Friday 13 October.

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Whether you're staying in to avoid any surprises that Friday the 13th has in store or you're relishing the prospect of spooky TV delights, the BBC has six creepy comedy shorts ready to see you through the night.