ENNIS woman Simone Kirby is to feature in a new Netflix film that will begin filming across Ireland next month with a star-studded cast.
‘Bad Bridgets’, tells viewers the story of two sisters who embark on a treacherous journey to the United States seeking escape from an abusive father, poverty, and hunger. Colin Farrell, Steve Coogan, Charlie Heaton, Domhnall Gleeson, Himesh Patel and Niamh Algar round out the A-list cast. Ballintemple native Alison Oliver stars as one of the twin protagonists alongside Londoner Emelia Jones.
Rich Peppiatt, who previously directed ‘Kneecap’ which also featured Kirby, is set to take the reins of the project. The film is inspired by Elaine Farrell and Leanne McCormick’s research project of the same name, documenting the lives of Irish emigrant women in America from 1838 to 1918, many of whom found themselves resorting to crime in order to survive.
Kirby has previously starred in the TV series ‘Pure Mule’, ‘Peaky Blinders’ and ‘Love/Hate’ and also featured in the films ‘Jimmy’s Hall’, ‘Alice through the Looking Glass’ and ‘Calm with Horses’, working under acclaimed directors Ken Loach and Tim Burton. The Ennis woman has also performed extensively in Shakespeare’s Globe, The Old Vic, and The Abbey Theatre and The Gate Theatre.
After first completing a degree in art, Simone went through the studios of the Gaiety School of Acting and has blossomed into a successful career in the Irish film and television industry.
A former Coláiste Mhuire student, Kirby moved from Ennis to Galway aged 17 to pursue her passion, disappointed with the lack of opportunities for young people interested at the performing arts at the time in the town. A move to Dublin followed which led to her training in the Gaiety and subsequent successful career.
‘Bad Bridgets’ will begin filming across Ireland this summer with Netflix asking prospective viewers to keep their eyes peeled on the Tudum website for details. More information is available at https://www.netflix.com/tudum/articles/bad-bridgets-release-date-cast-news
