“I think it’s a bit mad because they’re our neighbours and we should know that stuff.”
It’s fitting that the final remark in a recent Q&A in Derry to promote Season 2 of Derry Girls was directed towards Dylan Llewellyn (James).
“We’ve told him that he’s the most beloved Englishman in Ireland since Jack Charlton,” said Nicola Coughlan, and with that one remark, the entire room erupted in applause.
In many ways, James – or the wee English fella as he’s affectionally called – is the ‘way in’ for certain people that might not be well versed in Anglo-Irish history and the significant role that the Maiden City has played over the years.
Throughout the chat, Llewellyn and his fellow cast members expressed their belief that Derry genuinely feels like a second home to them and since the comedy was released, it appears that the people of Derry have also taken the cast to their hearts.
In fact, Lisa McGee (writer/creator) also told a wonderful anecdote about how the people of Derry have provided the best security for the filmmakers because they’re constantly telling people to be quiet during takes.
Aside from the brilliant gags, wonderful characters, and joyous nostalgia, Derry Girls has really resonated with audiences as it also offers people a very small but important history lesson.
Granted, we’re too busy laughing at Michelle’s curses, Sister Michael’s withering putdowns, Clare’s constant neurosis, Orla’s refusal to behave like a normal human being, Erin’s wonderful array of facial gestures, James’ inability to comprehend anything that’s going on and so much more, but the real genius in Lisa McGee’s writing is that the show feels universal and yet, it’s grounded in a very real and turbulent time in Irish history.
Right from the very first episode, we see the soldiers entering the girls’ school bus – Michelle instantly says: “Do you think if I told him I’d an incendiary device down my knickers, he’d have a look?” – but The Troubles always felt peripheral to the daily lives of our beloved Derry Girls.
However, McGee then flipped the whole tone of the show on its head with that magnificent finale that juxtaposed the carefree spirit of being a teenager with the harsh realities of life in Northern Ireland.
Since being made available on Netflix to a global audience, plenty of people have absolutely fallen in love with the show but more importantly, they’re starting to develop a curiosity about Irish history and The Troubles.
Ultimately, Derry Girls has proven to be just as valuable an educational experience for some as it is enjoyable. Sister Michael would definitely approve of that!
During a recent chat with JOE, Surrey actor Dylan Llewellyn (James) spoke candidly about Anglo-Irish relations and how the tumultuous history of Northern Ireland just isn’t taught in English schools.
“They don’t teach that in UK schools ever, and I think it’s a bit mad because they’re our next door neighbours and we should know about that stuff. It’s been a real eye-opening experience to feel that,” said Llewellyn.
The actor is already an adopted son of Derry and if he continues to use his platform and profile to highlight some of the extremely important issues that the show briefly mentions, we’ve a feeling he’ll always be welcome on Foyleside.
You can view the whole interview with Nicola Coughlan (Clare), Saoirse-Monica Jackson (Erin), Louisa Harland (Orla), and Dylan Llewellyn (James) here.
Series 2 of Derry Girls starts on 5 March.
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