About Derry Girls

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music / Soundtrack

About

Derry Girls is a British comedy TV show set in Derry, Northern Ireland during the 1990s. Created and written by Lisa McGee, the show follows a group of girls and their male cousin as they navigate their teenage years against the backdrop of the Troubles, a period of political and social unrest in Northern Ireland. The series premiered on Channel 4 in 2018 and has gained a large following for its humorous and heartfelt portrayal of the characters' lives. The main characters of Derry Girls are Erin, Orla, Clare, Michelle, and James. Erin is a witty and enthusiastic teen who often finds herself in awkward situations. Orla is Erin's eccentric cousin, known for her quirky personality. Clare is Erin's best friend, a smart and responsible girl. Michelle is a loud and confident girl, always up for an adventure. James is Michelle's English cousin who moves to Derry and attends the girls' school, providing an outsider's perspective on their lives. Throughout the series, the group of friends navigate school life, relationships, family dynamics, and the challenges posed by the Troubles. The show effectively blends humor with the serious and often tragic events happening in the background, creating a unique and compelling narrative.

Making / Production

Derry Girls is produced by Hat Trick Productions and is a co-production with Channel 4 and Northern Ireland Screen. The show is set and filmed in Derry, providing an authentic backdrop for the story. The production team worked closely with local communities and resources to accurately portray the time period and the city's atmosphere. The series was inspired by Lisa McGee's own experiences growing up in Derry during the Troubles. She drew on her memories and personal anecdotes to create the characters and storylines. The show's production design, costumes, and music all contribute to recreating the 1990s setting in a detailed and realistic way.

Actors

The main cast of Derry Girls includes: - Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Erin Quinn, the main protagonist of the series. Saoirse-Monica Jackson portrays Erin's comedic timing and relatable teenage struggles. - Louisa Harland as Orla McCool, Erin's cousin with an eccentric personality. Louisa Harland brilliantly brings Orla's quirkiness and lovable nature to life on screen. - Nicola Coughlan as Clare Devlin, Erin's best friend. Nicola Coughlan captures Clare's intelligence and maturity, providing a grounded presence among the group of friends. - Jamie-Lee O'Donnell as Michelle Mallon, a confident and adventurous member of the group. Jamie-Lee O'Donnell perfectly embodies Michelle's boldness and comedic energy. - Dylan Llewellyn as James Maguire, Michelle's English cousin who joins the group. Dylan Llewellyn portrays James' fish-out-of-water experience with charm and humor.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

- Derry Girls was met with critical acclaim and has a strong fan base. It has been praised for its humor, writing, and portrayal of teenage life during a tumultuous time. - The show often incorporates actual historical events into its storylines, providing a realistic and engaging narrative. - Derry Girls has been praised for its diverse and well-rounded female characters, offering a refreshing perspective on female friendships and coming-of-age stories. - The series has been renewed for several seasons, indicating its popularity and continued success.

Awards

Derry Girls has received several award nominations, including: - BAFTA Television Award for Best Scripted Comedy - Irish Film and Television Award for Best Comedy

Quotes

- "We're gonna get pure slaughtered." - Michelle - "If I fall and break my legs, don't tell Ma, I'm on crutches as I've got polio." - Orla - "You can't go around judging people just because of what their da did." - James

Music / Soundtrack

Derry Girls features a memorable soundtrack that captures the spirit of the 1990s. The show incorporates popular songs from the time period, contributing to the nostalgia and atmosphere of the series. Some notable songs featured in the show include: - "Zombie" by The Cranberries - "Linger" by The Cranberries - "Dreams" by The Cranberries - "Wannabe" by Spice Girls - "Waterfalls" by TLC The music helps enhance the comedic and emotional moments in the series.