Blood on the Dance Floor

The untold story of the murder of a gay police officer in Northern Ireland in 1997. Belfast 1997. But not just any part of Belfast, gay Belfast. A place you've probably never heard of before. Cigarette smoke, aftershave and expectation fill the air in the only gay bar in the country. Sat having a drink on a night out is Darren Bradshaw. He was just 24 years old when he was shot dead in front of hundreds of people. His brutal murder by terrorists sparked fears of a return to all out violence as the new Labour government under Tony Blair sought to bring peace to Northern Ireland - on the road to the Good Friday Agreement. This is the untold story of his life and murder. A story of both love and eventually betrayal. Presenter Jordan Dunbar grew up in the city, he was a comedian and drag performer on the Belfast scene and yet this murder and Darren's life was never talked about. Following Darren's story brings to life the struggle of being gay in The Troubles, how Belfast got its first Pride parade only in 1991 and its very first openly gay club in 1994 -The Parliament bar where Darren was tragically shot dead. It's a community surviving as well as thriving against a backdrop of violence and discrimination. He meets the original drag queens, DJs and club pioneers determined to claim back the city centre from the terrorists and create a safe place of their own. Determined to piece together for the first time how Darren was killed that night and why, Jordan uncovers stories of bigotry, bravery and betrayal. Reporter: Jordan Dunbar Series Producer: Paul Grant Producer: Patrick Kiteley Technical Production and Sound Design: Craig Boardman Additional technical production: Nicky Edwards and Richard Hannaford Journalism Assistants: Tim Fernley and Jordan King Production Manager: Sarah Payton Assistant Commissioner: Lorraine Okuefuna Commissioning Editors: Richard Maddock and Dylan Haskins Editor and Executive Producer: Carl Johnston
Episodes
- 7 Episodes
A great listen
6 days ago
Loved every episode
Must listen podcast
19/12/2024
Darren’s life and memory continue with this podcast. My heart breaks for his family and friends. Great reporting and investigating by the podcast team. Everyone should listen to this
Thank you
04/09/2024
This is so powerful. Thank you for sharing this story
Equally heart breaking and beautiful
26/08/2023
I am utterly blown away by this podcast. I felt completely immersed in the time, what it was to be gay in ‘95 NI, both the struggle and the excitement of changing times. Darren’s story was told with so much heart, exploring many sides of who he was and how his life was stolen from those who loved him. His brother Scott gives a very unique perspective on NI and the complexities all of the violence brings. A must listen *****
About
Information
- CreatorBBC Radio 5 Live
- Years Active2K
- Episodes7
- RatingExplicit
- Copyright© (C) BBC 2023
- Show Website
- Provider
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