Derry Girl
Northern Ireland actress Saoirse-Monica Jackson speaks to Clodagh Dooley about her blossoming acting career and life growing up in Derry
You probably recognise Saoirse-Monica Jackson as the girl on TV who has managed to send everyone in your sitting room into fits of laughter. The 24-year-old plays 16-year-old Erin Quinn in Channel 4’s ‘Derry Girls’. The six-part sitcom, based on a group of teenagers coming of age during the Troubles, has been a huge success. Saoirse knew from a young age that acting was what she wanted to do with her life. “When I was about 16 years old, my younger brother was sent to speech and drama classes to help improve his speech and I went along with him. “I fell in love with it straight away, but I don’t think he did!” she laughs. Saoirse, who has a cross-border upbringing between Derry and Inishowen in Co Donegal, attended St Cecilia’s College in Derry. The first production she ever starred in was their own showing of Blood Brothers, which they performed for Willy Russell, the award-winning playwright himself. “It was amazing,” says Saoirse. “I had the opportunity to play a boy at the time and this was my first experience of how theatrics all worked.” She then moved on to study drama at The Arden School of Theatre in Manchester. The young actor says she was “lucky” to land her first TV role in Sky 1’s ‘The Five’ before finishing her course. “It was brilliant to get that experience under my belt and all the actors I worked with were so lovely. Moving over to Manchester and London, where I am now based, and meeting new people, made me realise how much freedom I had when I was a teenager growing up in Derry. Just with simple things, like going into town after school.” I ask Saoirse if she feels that those from outside Derry may have misconceptions about the area, even today. “100pc,” she says. “And I think that’s really shocking for people from our own country to still have these misconceptions, when we’re only a couple of hours down the road. I would always describe Derry as a very vibrant destination. There is lots going on and many different cultures, bars and restaurants. I don’t understand why those old labels are still sticking to the town when it has so much to offer. “I do think the Troubles has brought a generosity into the city and a warm heart. I think people really watch out for each other here, and visitors that come to our city are very well looked after. The locals are friendly and they want guests to have a good time in Derry.” So, if Saoirse was to recommend places to visit in Derry, what would be her highlights? “Derry is a beautiful city to walk around. All the bars and restaurants are within walking distance. I’d recommend wandering through the Guild Hall and along the Peace Bridge. We also have great locally run businesses – Derry’s Craft Village is a must-visit.” Saoirse also recommends visiting a new vintage shop, which opened about a year ago at Waterloo Place, “It’s called Pop Riot, and it’s run by a local woman. The shop promotes equality and they help out with a lot of charities, selling gifts and fashion accessories. It has a great ethos for a small business. It’s brilliant to see people supporting local businesses in the city.” As for the nightlife in Derry, Saoirse says it is thriving and one of the aspects she misses most about Derry when she is away from home. “There is an incredible atmosphere in the bars and Peadar O’Donnell’s pub is fantastic. When we were filming in Derry, myself and Jamie-Lee (who plays Michelle Mallon in ‘Derry Girls’) recommended the pub to all the cast and crew from Channel 4 and they loved it! It has great live traditional Irish music. For me, nights out are better when there is live music, it makes people socialise and dance more.” Saoirse is currently playing the role of Shena Carney in Jez Butterworth’s ‘The Ferryman’ at the Gielgud Theatre in London. The play, which is an emotionally wrought family drama set in 1981 rural Derry, runs until May 18th. “My character, Shena, is a lot more modest, maybe more gentle and kind-hearted than Erin,” says Saoirse. “Although, similarly to Erin, she has massive ambitions and wants to move away to London as soon as she turns 16. But, she also has a lot of responsibilities for someone who is just 14 years old. She’s the oldest daughter and her mother has depression, so it’s sort of left Shena to look after her siblings. “It’s a more serious role compared to Erin. It’s great to go from the screen to getting the opportunity to do theatre. When you’re on stage, everything is different. You get to do the scenes all over again, as well as try something new each night – I’m really enjoying it.” What are Saoirse’s goals for the future? “It’s been a lot of hard work to get to where I am today, a lot of auditions and some rejections along the way – thankfully, there were some ‘yeses’ too! With the ‘no’s’, you just have to keep going. My granny always said to me ‘if it’s for you, it won’t pass you’, and I really believe that. If I don’t get a part, I tell myself that’s okay. I’ll just focus on the next one and try to enjoy auditioning as much as possible, because it’s an opportunity to act and I love acting. “I’ve enjoyed all the jobs that I have done so far, they have all been great parts to play. I would love to do more filming between now and ‘Derry Girls’ and I would obviously love to see the success of season two. I want to go to the States during the summer, to see what New York is like and audition for some shows there.” It doesn’t sound like Saoirse will be taking a break any time soon then. “There will be no rest!” she laughs. Look out fans of Miss Ronan, there is a new Saoirse set to take the acting world by storm! Catch up on season one of ‘Derry Girls’ on All4 now. To book tickets to ‘The Ferryman’, visit www.londontheatre.co.uk/ show/the-ferryman