Leading roel for Hannah

Hannah McClean plays a local girl in the 1800's trying to convince her sister to stay in Northern Ireland and not leave on the shop for America.

The cast of 14 feature in 'Noose or Necklace' which is the first complete dramatised walk of Derry/Londonderry's walls – from 1613 to present day.

The educational tour is being staged to facilitate the local community in finding out more about the last 400 years as Derry/Londonderry has grown to become a cultural hub, as is seen with the city becoming the first UK City of Culture in 2013.

Noose or Necklace, which is free of charge, will see groups being guided for just over an hour through the various points of interest on the walls and meeting some interesting characters along the way – all there to bring the city's story to life.

From beautiful Italian girls, to glamorous American soldiers, hardworking Scottish brickies to shirt making sisters, Noose or Necklace will introduce local community, school and historical interest groups to fourteen characters who each reveal their own story.

Historical highlights covered in the eight scenes include the building of the walls and the bridge, the Siege, the arrival of the Italian community to the city, the American GI's stationed in WW2 and the Troubles.

The tour closes with a look at Derry/Londonderry today and its bright future.

Director and Producer Jonathan Burgess of Blue Eagle Productions commented:"Noose or Necklace promises entertaining insights into the city's culture and heritage. We meet the people who have lived and worked here over the past 400 years and find out from them what life was really like – the highs and lows. There are also a few laughs along the way and we are looking forward to entertaining as many groups as possible over the coming months."

Commenting on the importance of the tour for the city Derry City Council's Arts Officer Brendan McMenamin added:

"The city's walls have in the past been compared to both a noose and a necklace – hindering or helping the development of the city and the North West region. This tour will offer participants a fresh insight into the city's history and heritage, focusing not only on the black and white but also the grey areas, and promising all who take part some new lessons about their home."

Noose or Necklace is free or charge. The tour is available for group bookings only and can accommodate a group size from 15-30 people. Organisations are permitted to book more than one tour to cope with extra numbers. The tour is complemented by an informative booklet and website.

Duration: 1 hr 15 min (30 min walking in total)

Tour times: 9am / 11am / 1pm / 3pm

Contact: Blue Eagle on 02871 841931 to book a free tour. email:[email protected]

Noose or Necklace is produced by Blue Eagle Productions and funded by Derry City Council through the Peace III programme.