Hidden Voices — on stage at Bingley Little Theatre 11 July 2026. Find out more →
Grim Faced Detective Productions
Authentic stories.
Ethical storytelling.
Powerful theatre,
television and film.
Founded by former detective Sean Donoghue, Grim Faced Detective Productions creates compelling drama inspired by real-world experience and a deep understanding of human behaviour, trauma, resilience and justice.
From the investigation room to the stage and screen — every story told with integrity.
3
Theatre
2
True Crime Books
1
Short Film
2
Radio
1
TV / Script
The Work
Nine Works in Progress.
Follow the Story
Watch on TikTok.
@grimfaceddetective
Behind the scenes of the writing process, the stories behind the stories, and updates on productions as they develop. Follow along on TikTok.
@grimfaceddetective
The Grim Faced Detective — TikTok
Open on TikTok
Our Mission
Stories that educate,
heal and inspire.
The Writer
Sean Donoghue.
The Grim Faced Detective.
Sean Donoghue brings over thirty years of investigative experience to his work as an emerging playwright and writer. His unique background provides a rare insight into the realities of crime, trauma, recovery and the complex experiences that shape individuals and communities.
His work is rooted in trauma-informed practice, ethical storytelling and emotional truth — ensuring that difficult subjects are explored with compassion, responsibility and artistic excellence.
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Coming Soon
The Grim Faced Detective Podcast
True crime. Writing process. Theatre and radio. Conversations with crime writers and playwrights.
The Podcast
Stories. Process. Truth.
A podcast about the work — the cases behind the books, the decisions behind the scripts, and the conversations with the people who tell difficult stories for a living.
Collaborate
Writers. Producers.
Directors. Actors.
Let's make something.
Grim Faced Detective Productions is actively seeking creative partners — theatre companies, independent producers, directors and actors who want to work on original, authentic drama rooted in real human experience.
Radio
Already on the airwaves.
Sudbury Prison Jerk Chicken
Life inside an open prison, told through food and community. Aired in 2022.
Open Prison Garden Party
Currently at the BBC for consideration. An open prison, a garden party, and the world most people never see.
The work is the thing.
Nine projects. Five mediums. One writer. West Yorkshire.