GALWAY ACTOR Nicola Coughlan, and Galway based comedian Tommy Tiernan, are set to star in a new comedy series from the producers of Father Ted - Derry Girls, which comes to Channel 4 later this year.
The series, written by Lisa McGee (Being Human, Indian Summers ), is set in Derry during the early 1990s, and set against the wider backdrop of The Troubles, and draws upon McGee's own experiences. It centres around 16-year-old Erin Quinn (Saoirse Monica Jackson ) who lives with her uncompromising mother (Tara Lynne O’Neill ), long-suffering father (Tommy Tiernan ) and fearsome ‘Granda Joe’ (Ian McElhinney ).
Nicola, a graduate from the Birmingham School of Acting, part of Birmingham City University, plays the role of Erin’s best friend, Clare Devlin, described as clever, ambitious, and – when faced with school principal Sister Michael – an enthusiastic tell-tale.
"I feel incredibly lucky to be part of a Channel 4 show that has four strong, comedic female leads," she said. “I also feel that it is crucial to support women within the arts; if you're a female actor who feels frustrated by the lack of quality roles, make sure you're out there supporting the women who are leading the way."
The Galway born actor has appeared in various theatre productions in Britain, while Susan Elkin from industry newspaper The Stage named her as "one to watch".
