By Marianne Flood
A Derry-based play featuring ‘Derry Girls’ star Saoirse Monica Jackson has swept the board at the Olivier Awards on Sunday.
Set in 1981, the Ferryman tells the story of a 26-year-old man who is murdered by the IRA and ‘disappears’.
The play is based on the real life story of Eugene Simons, whose niece Laura Donnelly was awarded the Best Actress prize at this year's Olivier ceremonies for her role in the hard hitting play.
Written by Jez Butterworth (Donnelly's husband) and directed by Sam Mendes it currently stars Saoirse-Monica Jackson as Shena Carney.
Winning huge praise from both critics and theatre audiences, The Ferryman was also awarded the best new play prize on Sunday night, while Mendes picked up the best director gong.
Former St Cecilia’s girl Saoirse tweeted: “Only 2 months left to come and see this beast of a play with this beautiful bunch of people. I am one lucky gal.”
The Ferryman is on at the West End’s Gielgud Theatre until May 2018.
Pictured above: Saoirse Jackson (far right), who played the character Erin from the hit comedy series Derry Girls, appears onstage at The Ferryman, which won two Olivier Awards this week. Photographer, Johan Persson.
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