Lisa McGee announces lead cast for “How to Get to Heaven From Belfast”

David Reiss, Delivered, Delivered

“Derry Girls” creator Lisa McGee has begun production on her upcoming comedy-thriller series “How to Get to Heaven From Belfast” in Northern Ireland and announced the main cast of the Netflix show.

Roísín Gallagher (“The Dry,” “The Lovers”), Sinéad Keenan (“Little Boy Blue,” “Unforgotten”) and Caoilfhionn Dunne (“A Thousand Blows,” “Industry”) play Saoirse, Robyn and Dara, three childhood friends now in their late 30s who come together when news of the death of a fourth friend arrives. The two embark on a “dark, dangerous and hilarious odyssey” through Ireland and beyond as they try to uncover the truth about the past.

“I couldn’t be more excited to begin production on ‘How To Get To Heaven From Belfast,'” said McGee, who created and wrote the series and serves as executive producer. “I’ve loved writing Saoirse, Robyn and Dara – three flawed, funny women embarking on the most exciting and terrifying adventure of their lives. A mystery full of twists and turns that will keep you guessing and laughing out loud. Let’s go, girls!”

The eight-part series, produced by Hat Trick Productions – and directed by “Derry Girls” director Michael Lennox – was initially announced by Channel 4 but moved to Netflix earlier this year, with Channel 4 citing “changes in editorial leadership”, “rising costs” and the “recent slowdown in the US co-production market” as reasons.

“Smart, chaotic TV writer Saoirse, glamorous, stressed-out mother of three Robyn and reliable, inhibited carer Dara have been a tight-knit group since school,” the synopsis reads. “Now in their late 30s but still as close as ever, these three friends are about to embark on the most exciting adventure of their lives. When an email arrives informing them of the death of the estranged fourth member of their childhood gang, Greta, a series of eerie events at her wake sends them on a dark, dangerous and hilarious odyssey through Ireland and beyond as each tries to piece together the truth of the past. A show about friendship, memories and what happens when life doesn’t quite turn out as you expected.”

Producer is Brian J. Falconer, executive producers are McGee, Lennox, Caroline Leddy (“Derry Girls,” “The Inbetweeners”), Liz Lewin (“Derry Girls,” “The Lovers”) and Jimmy Mulville.