Lisa McGee Reveals New Netflix Comedy Thriller and Admits to Nerves
Lisa McGee, the acclaimed creator behind the beloved television series Derry Girls, has opened up about her latest project, a dark comedy thriller set to premiere on Netflix. In an exclusive interview, McGee confessed to feeling "really nervous" about the release, acknowledging the high expectations following the global success of her previous work.
From Derry to Belfast: A New Chapter in Comedy
The new show, titled How To Get To Heaven From Belfast, marks a shift in setting from Derry to Belfast, while retaining the sharp wit and dark humour that defined Derry Girls. McGee, 45, explained that the series follows three friends in their late 30s who reunite for an old schoolmate's wake, only to be drawn into a mysterious series of events across Ireland and beyond.
"I'm really nervous - but I know it has to happen," McGee stated at the Belfast premiere. "You can only 'tweak' for so long before it has to go out in the world!" She described the show as a "comedy, mystery mash-up" that explores themes of friendship and identity, starring Sinéad Keenan from Unforgotten.
Inspiration Drawn from Personal Experiences
McGee revealed that the inspiration for the thriller came from a visit to her old high school in Derry, which had become a site for ghost hunters. "I was walking down to where the old canteen would have been, and I just thought, I'm going to bump into myself as a teenager here!" she recalled. This eerie experience, coupled with her move to Belfast during the pandemic, fueled the narrative, blending stunning Northern Irish landscapes with the region's characteristic dark humour.
She emphasized that this humour is deeply ingrained in Northern Irish culture, serving as a coping mechanism through turbulent times. "We used very dark humour as a coping mechanism, we got really good at it and we just kept doing it," McGee noted, adding that she aims to bring a more human element to depictions of the Troubles by focusing on ordinary people's lives.
Celebrating Female Friendships and Cameo Appearances
McGee expressed a fascination with female friendships, a theme central to her writing. "I always had brilliant, strong female friends... I always wanted to see my friends represented," she said, highlighting her desire to place flawed, relatable women at the heart of the mystery. The show also features cameo appearances, including Ardal O'Hanlon from Father Ted as a quirky hotel owner, whom McGee praised for his comedic talent.
Reflecting on her career, McGee mentioned past collaborations, such as working with Paul Mescal in the 2020 TV thriller The Deceived, though she missed meeting him due to pregnancy. She also expressed gratitude for the enduring legacy of Derry Girls, which has garnered fans worldwide, including notable figures like the Obamas and Martin Scorsese.
Legacy and Future Prospects
McGee remains thankful for the opportunity to write about her homeland, stating, "I waited so long to be able to write about the place I come from." She believes comedy allows characters to become part of viewers' families, and she shows no signs of tiring from discussing Derry Girls. The new series, set to stream on Netflix from 12 February, promises to deliver the same blend of humour and heart that fans have come to expect, while exploring new narratives in Northern Irish storytelling.
