By Ben Thompson
From its debut in January 2018 on Channel 4, the sitcom ‘Derry Girls’ became an instant smash hit. It was the most watched television series in Northern Ireland since modern records began in 2002, watched by a average of 519,000 viewers.
The programme is set, predictably, in Derry, Northern Ireland, in the midst of the Troubles. Despite the backdrop of terrorism and conflict, the programme brims with hilarity and heart-warming sentiment.
It revolves around a group of four teenage girls – Erin, Clare, Orla and Michelle – and their English friend, James. You wouldn’t be mistaken in drawing a comparison with ‘The Inbetweeners’, as both programmes make use of awkward moments and ‘cringe humour’ to create a response. It never feels forced, however, and always provokes more of a genuine laugh than a grimace.
Although the show is first and foremost about the lives of these girls growing up in Northern Ireland, serious issues are also touched upon – without ever running into preachy territory. Religion, Anglo-Irish relations and sexuality are dealt in with good humour, without losing sight of the weight behind each topic.
Northern Ireland continues to generate a lot of interest through Britain and in the media. It is at the forefront of Brexit negotiations, with the pro-Brexit Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) insisting Northern Ireland be treated like other regions of the UK in the process of leaving the EU, while its prohibition of abortion and same-sex marriage sets it apart from Britain and the Republic of Ireland when it comes to progressive gender and sexual politics.
This is reflected in ‘Derry Girls’ with good humour and a lot of heart. When it needs to be serious, it does it exceptionally well. When it requires a moment to lighten the mood, it delivers with full gusto.
The first series of ‘Derry Girls’ is due to be released on Netflix in the near future. For the time being, all episodes are available on All4.
Featured image: Aaron Shaw ‘Is This Thing On?’ is a unique debut show, a product of the creative collaboration between Ellie Campbell, Megan Keaveney (MissMatch), and the So La Flair theatre company. Following its debut appearance at Contact Theatre, the show promises to be a memorable experience for those attending the tour across Wigan, Leeds,…
Featured image: aAh! In each print issue, aAh! Magazine explores one word which runs as its theme. Next up is The FRESHERS Issue 24/25. aAh! Magazine invites all Manchester Met students interested in journalism, writing, photography and design to pitch ideas to be considered for print publication for the upcoming issue: The FRESHERS Issue 24/25….
Featured image: Seagoth “This album is dedicated to all of the people who can’t take a day off from themselves, to the people who have to face their greatest fears every single day – and to all the pain we feel, may we heal”. – Seagoth on How to Stay Wide Awake. While studying music…
Featured image: So La Flair Theatre Ellie Campbell and Megan Keaveney graduated last year from Manchester Theatre School. The pair met at a house party in their first year, where Ellie was standing on a table singing her heart out to Florence and the Machine. Megan locked eyes with her and knew they would be…
Leave a reply