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TV & Showbiz

New horror series set and filmed in Bolton is even ‘creepier than Black Mirror’

Daisy Jackson - 16th August 2022

The BBC has just dropped a new horror series that was filmed and is set around Bolton.

Red Rose has already been receiving rave reviews, with The Guardian comparing it to a ‘creepier Black Mirror‘.

The series has been created by Bolton-born twins Michael and Paul Clarkson, who also worked on The Haunting of Bly Manor and See.

The eight-part programme explores the relationship between teenagers and their online lives, with a mysterious smartphone app slowly unravelling their lives – and it’s chilling enough that it will make you want to lob your phone out the window.

It's been receiving rave reviews already. — Red Rose. Credit: BBC

The BBC synopsis says: “School is about to finish for the last time. For many teenagers, this signals the beginning of the next stage of their lives.

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“For a group of working-class friends in Bolton, there is no next stage. The summer stretches out in front of them with an infinite sense of possibilities, but when one of the gang downloads the mysterious Red Rose app, plans change.

“What starts innocently as a game of admiration rapidly descends into something much darker.”

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Despite the terrifying storyline, Paul Clarkson said they’d created the series as a ‘love letter to Bolton’.

Read more: This £1.8m mansion in Bolton has the one of the most incredible back gardens on the market

Scenes were filmed around the borough, including on Bridge Street, Churchgate, Le Mans Crescent, and at a quarry near Scouts Road.

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The cast of Red Rose includes a number of young rising stars, such as Amelia Clarkson, Isis Hainsworth, Ali Khan, Ellis Howard, and Ashna Rabheru.

Episodes will air on BBC Three on Monday and Tuesday evenings.

Featured image: BBC

TV & Showbiz

Bez and Shaun Ryder are starring in a new gangster movie – nope, not kidding

Danny Jones Bez and Shaun Ryder acting in new gangster film

Bez and Shaun Ryder acting in new gangster film

No, you didn’t misread the headline and you’re not on acid: Manchester music legends Bez and Shaun Ryder are set to feature in a brand-new gangster film.

Yes, the ones from the Happy Mondays – why are you having such trouble processing this?

Seriously though, we did a little double-take ourselves when we came across this news, but the familiar Manc faces look to be among the ensemble of a brand-new gangster movie by Irish writer, actor, producer and filmmaker, Ciaron Davies.

And this is just a little leak or rumour that may have been blown out of proportion: you can take it from the horse’s mouth as Happy Mondays frontman, Ryder, recently shared the news on social media.

Coming soon!!! 🎬🎥
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‘GEEZERS’ – a British crime caper written and directed by Ciaron Davies. Featuring Shaun as hard man Robbie and Bez as Monk.
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Film release date to follow soon…
.#Geezers #Film #Movie #Newrelease #ShaunRyder #SWR #Bez #CiaronDavies pic.twitter.com/O2ARrKoZQ4
— Shaun Ryder (@officialswr) November 16, 2024

As you can see, the new film is called Geezers and is billed as a “British crime caper” written and directed by Davies, featuring Shaun as hard-man Robbie and Bez as ‘Monk’. If you saw Ryder shaking off that snake biting his hand like it was nothing then you already know he’s hard as nails.

Although it’s not strictly listed as a comedy per se, ‘caper’ would suggest plenty of humour and light-heartedness, so we’re thinking more like The Gentleman, Italian Job, or maybe even Four Lions, rather than a serious crime thriller.

Now, while we’ve seen both of the Salfordians on screen before not only in the likes of music videos, interviews, panel shows and even as two of the funniest guests to ever go on Celebrity Gogglebox, this latest venture will serve as their respective acting debuts.

According to the IMDb page, the synopsis of the film is as follows: “Crime caper about a stolen bag of money. Caught in the crossfire are ‘The Geezers’ a bunch of wannabe criminals who have bitten off more than they can chew. With 24 hours to grab the cash, London may just go up in smoke tonight.”

Shame it’s not set on the mean streets of Manchester, or better yet Salford, but you’ve still very much caught our interest.

You can see the first promotional poster for the film down below.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ciaron Davies (@ciarondavies)

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As for Davies, he has been involved with a number of small-budget TV film projects, as well as appearing in shorts and even video games, so it’s fair to say that getting 62-year-old Ryder and his ever-energetic hype man, 60, involved is quite the coup for his movie-making career.

We’re still not over Bez rather randomly delivering a curry to our offices, to be honest, so seeing him act is going to feel like one long fever dream.

Although the film has no release date just yet, we know that filming locations having included parts of Warrington and Pinewood Studios, will be produced by Loose Gripp Films and distributed by publishers High Fliers.

Given the high-octane nature of Geezers and its genre, the feature will involve lots of action, stunts, violence and even martial arts – though how much kung-fu these two will have learned for the project remains to be seen…

All we know is that the film is supposedly “coming soon” and if you don’t want to see Bez and Shaun Ryder doing their best impression of a Guy Ritchie gangster movie then you’re lying to yourself. Praying for a Rowetta cameo to put the cherry on top.

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Featured Images — Shaun Ryder (via X)/Loose Gripp Films/IMDb

TV & Showbiz

Greater Manchester cinemas are screening loads of classic Christmas films throughout December

Cinemas across the UK will be screening loads of classic festive films in the run-up to Christmas, and you can already book tickets.

With the nights drawing in, the temperatures dropping by the day, and the most wonderful time of the year now firmly in our sights, film fans looking for some wholesome festive fun in the run-up to the big day itself will soon be able to head on down to their nearest Greater Manchester cinema to catch a classic on the big screen.

Vue, Odeon, and The Light are among the cinema chains set to screen a handful of beloved Christmas films throughout December.

Although there may already be a TV channel showing Christmas films 24/7 now on air in the UK, if you fancy seeing the festivities in full screen instead, then you can watch showings of fan-favourites like Elf, Home Alone, Love Actually, and more over the next few weeks.

Greater Manchester cinemas are screening loads of classic Christmas films throughout December / Credit: 20th Century Studios | Universal Pictures

Greater Manchester cinemas are screening loads of classic Christmas films throughout December / Credit: 20th Century Studios | Universal Pictures

You can also see seasonal screenings of live ballet, theatre, and concert performances too.

Undoubtably one of the highlights on the lineup this year, however, has to be The Polar Express, with several cinema chains scheduled to screen the 2004 animated Christmas gem to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its release.

Starring Tom Hanks alongside a talented supporting cast of voice actors, The Polar Express is based on the beloved children’s book by Chris Van Allsburg and tells the story of a young boy who boards a powerful magical train to visit Santa Claus’ home on Christmas Eve, learning about friendship, bravery, and the spirit of Christmas along the way.

Elf, Home Alone, and Love Actually are among the films on the lineup / Credit: Krists Luhaers (via Unsplash)

Looking for a more intimate festive film experience this Christmas?

Well you can also get yourself down to one of Manchester’s most popular hotels, King Street Townhouse, where a jam-packed lineup of classics will be screened in its very-own exclusive cinema over the next two months.

Here you can also complete your seasonal experience with festive-themed cocktails, popcorn, pick n mix, and a whole host of other treats too.

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Head to your local cinema’s website to check when your favourite festive flicks are being screened.

Featured Image – Warner Bros.