There’s an opportunity to catch one of the biggest films to be made in Blackburn at the Thwaites Empire Theatre as the venue presents Elaine Constantine’s ‘Northern Soul’ later this month, featuring many scenes shot in the town. The movie is based on the story of two lads who get caught up in the music scene in the North West in the 1970s.
It stars some of the best loved actors and comedians in the North West including Steve Coogan, Ricky Tomlinson and John Thomson and features Rochdale pop star, Lisa Stansfield. Many of the scenes were shot in Blackburn’s King Georges Hall which was used as the setting for a Wigan Casino-style all-nighter in the film.
Ms Constantine, from Bury, is a photographer by trade but formed a production company in 2009. In an interview with the Lancashire Telegraph last year she told readers,
“When Northern Soul exploded out of the North it was spellbinding to witness. Young lads, who never expressed themselves were suddenly dancing with passion to this new sound. As a teenager, dancing to this music gave me an overwhelming feeling of belonging and euphoria. It’s this same feeling of excitement and belonging to something special that I want to give to the film.”
“Northern Soul was phenomenally popular with British youths in the 1970s, taking the North of the country by storm. Northern Soul the film intends to appeal to appeal to those generations of fans while attracting a modern audience who can relate to youth culture from another era. If you were there, you’ll know. If you weren’t there, you’ll wish you had been.”
Northern Soul, Thwaites Empire Theatre, Friday 29 May, 7.30pm £7
Book online here or Tel: 01254 685500 (Mon – Sat 10am – 12.30pm)