Derry writer Séamas O'Reilly has released his debut novel Prestige Drama. The book follows a Hollywood film production that arrives in Derry to shoot a Troubles drama before the lead actress disappears.

O'Reilly said he chose to set the story in Derry to maintain its satirical edge. He had his sister Caoimhe review the manuscript for local accuracy.

The novel reworks material from an earlier BBC radio series. O'Reilly used multiple narrators to tell the story, including a character based on familiar maternal figures from the area.

O'Reilly grew up near Londonderry in the 1990s. His earlier memoir Did Ye Hear Mammy Died? became a bestseller and detailed his childhood after his mother's death.

Before the novel, O'Reilly gained attention for a social media story involving Irish president Mary McAleese. The post led to a book deal and was later adapted into an animated short film.

O'Reilly has written newspaper columns on internet culture and parenting. He also works as an editor for the magazine The Fence and has reviewed books and created online comedy content.

He cited influences including Flann O'Brien from Strabane and authors such as Paul Murray and Marian Keyes. O'Reilly said comedy writing does not need to serve a larger purpose beyond being funny.