The Journey actors on playing Paisley and McGuinness

The Journey stars Colm Meaney and Timothy Spall. Credit: Pacemaker

The stars of The Journey have been reflecting on playing political heavyweights Ian Paisley and Martin McGuinness, as the film premieres in Belfast.

Timothy Spall and Colm Meaney take centre-stage in what is billed as a fictional account of the extraordinary real-life relationship between the late DUP and Sinn Féin figureheads.

Few could have imagined that an unlikely working relationship born of necessity would evolve into actual friendship between the firebrand preacher and the one-time IRA commander.

However, that was exactly what happened.

And it is the question of how that evolution came about that The Journey, penned by Belfast writer Colin Bateman, directed by Nick Hamm and brought to life by acclaimed lead actors Spall and Meaney, tries to capture.

Although based in truth, the film's stars stress that it is still a work of fiction and was never intended to be seen as a documentary.

Colm Meaney stars as the late Martin McGuinness. Credit: The Journey

Speaking to UTV ahead of the red carpet premiere on Thursday evening, the pair addressed what they felt was the “massive responsibility” of telling such a story – especially given how much has changed.

“When we were shooting the film, there was no inkling of Martin being ill, let alone terminally ill,” Meaney said, of the former deputy First Minister he portrays.

“Events have changed so much in the last year or so and I personally would have really looked forward to his comments, because I’m sure there would have been some very humorous, wry comments …”

Colm Meaney on The Journey's blending of fact and fiction. Credit: Pacemaker

Adding that he felt the relationship between the two fundamentally opposed politicians and the journey they undertook to achieve a compromise was unique, Meaney said: “It’s unprecedented, I think.

“And when we were making the film, I think we very much saw it as a story that could be inspirational to other conflict situations around the world.

“Without wanting to be presumptuous or to pontificate, you would hope that the film might in some way inspire the current leadership of both parties to go the extra mile, to go the extra yard, to reach an agreement – as these guys did in much more severe circumstances.”

Timothy Spall as the late Ian Paisley. Credit: The Journey

Spall, who takes on the role of the former DUP leader and First Minister, actually met with the Paisley family earlier on Thursday and admitted he was apprehensive about it beforehand.

“They were always in my mind,” he said.

“And it wasn’t anything to do with politics - you’re playing a cherished loved one, so it was always incredibly important to me that I tried to play this man on his own terms.

“I was incredibly touched and honoured to meet Baroness Paisley. She hasn’t seen the film – Ian Junior has seen it and is very, very positive about it.

"But I got the feeling that she was pleased (that I was sensitive about it) … I feel that my worries have gone on that point of view.”

With the film having been well received at film festivals around the world, the big test now is how it will be perceived by audiences in Northern Ireland.

  • WATCH: UTV's Judith Hill talks to actors Colm Meaney and Timothy Spall ahead of the Belfast premiere of The Journey