Key Highlights
- Lisa McGee’s journey from street plays to global success with Derry Girls.
- New project “How To Get To Heaven From Belfast” on Netflix blending humor and mystery.
- Mystery genre chosen due to personal interest in murder mysteries since childhood.
From the streets of Derry to the global stage, Lisa McGee’s story is one of resilience and talent. How To Get To Heaven From Belfast, her latest project on Netflix, continues this journey with a blend of humor and mystery that has become her trademark. “I’ve always loved murder mysteries,” McGee told Sky News. “I was obsessed with Jessica Fletcher and Murder, She Wrote, so it was really like whenever someone gave me the chance to do it, I was going to grab it.” But she wasn’t just jumping on a trend; McGee had been preparing for this moment all her life.
From Street Plays to Derry Girls
McGee’s journey into storytelling began long before Derry Girls. Growing up, she would create plays for the neighborhood where she lived, forcing everyone to participate. “I was doing plays in my street and forcing everyone to be in them,” she recalled. “Even if they didn’t want to.” This early experience as an unofficial babysitter taught her valuable lessons about community engagement and storytelling.
Her history with Derry Girls is well-documented; it’s a show that not only brought global success but also tackled the complexities of life in Northern Ireland during the 1990s. McGee has spoken candidly about the personal elements in the series, noting how her own experiences influenced the narrative.
The New Project and Its Inspiration
How To Get To Heaven From Belfast centers on three thirty-something women who reunite following the death of their childhood friend. “I wanted to see myself and my friends on screen,” McGee explained. “Which sounds incredibly simple, but I feel like it doesn’t happen that often.” The project is a natural progression from her earlier work, maintaining the humor and emotional depth that fans have come to love.
The show also features familiar faces from Derry Girls, adding an extra layer of nostalgia for viewers who followed the original series. McGee’s history with these actors and characters has been integral to both projects, making this new venture a personal triumph.
A Commitment to Irish Stories
McGee’s dedication to telling authentic stories from Ireland is clear. “I think Ireland’s such a complicated but incredible place,” she said. “So much history that hasn’t fully been explored.” This commitment extends beyond just the content of her shows; it’s about representing the people and places she grew up in.
While a second season of How To Get To Heaven From Belfast isn’t guaranteed, McGee is hopeful. “I would do it again in a heartbeat,” she said. “It just depends on who watches it.” This sentiment underscores her belief in the power of storytelling to connect with audiences and bring diverse voices to the screen.
As Derry Girls creator Lisa McGee looks to the future, her journey from street plays to global success continues. How To Get To Heaven From Belfast is a testament to her talent and vision, blending humor and mystery into a compelling narrative that resonates with both old and new fans alike.
