From Blue Lights gossip to How to Get to Heaven from Belfast cocktails, the city has become a small-screen hotspot – and is basking in its newfound fame
‘I
love them!” Minutes after I jump into a taxi at Belfast International airport, the driver is beaming about Derry Girls. So many tourists he picks up want to talk about the hit comedy and, as a fan himself, he’s happy to oblige.
We’re stuck in traffic, which is odd for this small city on a wet Tuesday morning. “It’s because all the media are here,” he jokes. But there is some truth to it. I’m visiting for the world premiere of How to Get to Heaven from Belfast, the new series from Derry Girls mastermind Lisa McGee, and to see how the capital became home to the best TV.
It’s a big week: as well as McGee’s event, Michael Flatley is in court securing an injunction to ensure the Lord of the Dance 30th anniversary show goes ahead. There’s also a huge buzz around another award-winning locally made show. “Blue Lights has just started filming down the road!” says Melanie Harrison, owner of the Harrison hotel where I’m staying and, like most people I meet on this trip, a true raconteur. Michael Smiley, who stars in the beloved cop drama, regularly stays at the hotel, but he’s now shooting a film with Brad Pitt in Ireland. “If Brad needs accommodation for the night, I’d be happy to have him,” she laughs. He’d be in great company – Zadie Smith recently stayed, as did Siobhán McSweeney and Bronagh Gallagher. Adrian Dunbar was also heard crooning in the bar during the wee hours.
