Writer proud of 'groundbreaking' bilingual show

The writer of a "groundbreaking" new bilingual thriller which uses both British Sign Language (BSL) and spoken English has said he is "proud" to see the show on the screen.

The four-part series, called Reunion, was written by William Mager from Bristol and stars actors Eddie Marsan and Rose Ayling-Ellis.

The show follows a deaf man determined to right his wrongs while unearthing the truth behind the events that led him to be jailed.

Mr Mager, who is also deaf, said he wanted to write something "thrilling" that "just happened to include a deaf character".

The screenwriter said the show feels like a "new way of telling these stories".

"We've had stories before that have deaf characters in them, but having a group of deaf actors and deaf characters and hearing characters who use sign language as well is unusual," he said.

"Scenes with two deaf characters conversing one another together in sign language and subtitles for hearing viewers - I think that's groundbreaking maybe."

Mr Mager said he is "really proud" of the script, which he said he wrote for himself.

"I wanted to write something thrilling and appealing that just so happened to include a deaf person who uses sign language," he added.

Bristol actor and radio BBC Radio Bristol presenter Joe Sims, who also stars in Reunion, said he is "absolutely delighted" to be part of the show.

"Billy is a good friend of mine. I read it [his script] and it was absolutely incredible," he said.

The four-part series aired on Monday evening and can be watched on the BBC iPlayer.

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