To pay tribute to Lisa McGee as the subject of this year’s Screenwriters Masterclass, we’re screening the finale of her acclaimed series.

“It is a rare comedy that bows out on a high like this, but Derry Girls has been bold in its victory lap.” — The Guardian

Set against the backdrop of 1990’s Derry, the series follows teenagers, Erin Quinn (Saoirse-Monica Jackson), her cousin Orla (Louisa Harland), their friends Clare (Nicola Coughlan), Michelle (Jamie-Lee O’Donnell), and “the wee English fella”, James (Dylan Llewellyn) as they navigate their teenage years and embark on exciting adventures amid a time of political unrest and national conflict. Whilst it’s sad for fans, the acclaimed sitcom wrapped up its third and final season in true Derry Girls fashion by both tugging on our heartstrings and bringing laughs.
Our screening starts with the penultimate episode, and it’s Halloween in Derry. Then, the Derry Girls series finale returns one year later, in 1998, as the gang are in their final year at school. It is Erin and Orla’s joint 18th birthday party and the Good Friday Agreement referendum is stealing their thunder. In all of its poignancy and comedy, the Derry Girls series finale is the ultimate love letter to 90’s pop culture, and to growing up and Northern Ireland.

Followed by Q&A with Lisa McGee and producer Brian J. Falconer.

Director: Michael Lennox
Writer: Lisa McGee
Producer: Brian J. Falconer
Cast: Saoirse-Monica Jackson, Louisa Harland, Nicola Coughlan, Jamie-Lee O’Donnell & Dylan Llewellyn