Rose Gold is an incredibly charming short film that beautifully encapsulates the essence of Manchester’s vibrant music scene, intertwined with themes of resilience, camaraderie and the human spirit.
Directed by Simon Powell (Girl Shaped Love Drug) and produced by Antony Crank (Coronation Street), it delivers a poignant narrative centred around Rose (Chloe Lea), a young girl grappling with the weight of responsibilities far beyond her years in the early 1990s Manchester.
At its core, the film is a testament to the power of music as a universal language that transcends barriers and brings people together. Rose’s journey sees her navigating the challenges of balancing school, a job and caring for her mother, who battles multiple sclerosis.
However, amidst the struggles, she finds solace and hope in the pulsating beats of 90’s house music.
The character of Rose is portrayed with remarkable depth and authenticity, thanks to a compelling performance by lead actress Lea, who also stars in the upcoming Dune: Sisterhood TV series and won a BAFTA at the impressive age of 13.
ADVERTISEMENT
Rose’s journey starts from a place of despair to one of empowerment and belonging, which is both heart-wrenching and inspiring at the same time.
The relationship with her grandmother, simply referred to as Nan (Julie Glover), adds another layer of emotional depth, that’ll have you welling up to belly laughing in an instant – highlighting the complexities of familial bonds in the face of adversity.
ADVERTISEMENT
Central to Rose’s transformation is her connection with Ian (Jordan Akkaya), a charismatic club DJ, and his eclectic circle of kindred spirits. Rose finds herself immersed in a world of freedom and self-expression, far removed from the confines of her daily struggles.
The togetherness depicted among the characters is palpable, serving as a poignant reminder of the community and solidarity the Manchester music scene created.
One of the film’s standout features is its electrifying soundtrack, which serves as the heartbeat of Manchester’s music scene.
ADVERTISEMENT
Seamlessly woven into the narrative, the pulsating rhythms of 90’s house music elevate the viewing experience, transporting audiences back in time to the euphoric dance floors of iconic clubs like the Hacienda.
Overall, Rose Gold is a triumph of storytelling seamlessly blending themes of resilience, music, and companionship into a captivating cinematic experience — a true testament to the enduring power of the human spirit to find light amidst darkness, and a love letter to the infectious spirit of Manchester.
While this is merely the short film rendition, Powell and Crank (who also plays Bernard) put across such a wave of relatable emotions even in the half-hour run-time, we’re beyond buzzing for what unfolds with this incredible story and characters that the cast and crew brought to life.
Bring on the feature film and keep your eyes peeled for when it drops. Oh, and yes sir, I can boogie!
Featured Images — 53 Degrees North – Film(supplied)
TV & Showbiz
Liam Fray says ‘yes’ to Courteeners supporting Oasis on tour amid rumoured 2027 dates
Danny Jones
Liam Fray has said that the Courteeners are ready to “answer the call” if/when it comes to supporting Oasis on their next big live tour, with rumours of dates for shows in 2027 ramping up.
The fellow Manc favourites were heavily suggested as potential support acts for the Live ’25 reunion gigs, but Cast and Richard Ashcroft were ultimately selected as the warm-ups for the world tour.
With that in mind, when asked if Courteeners would be ready to open up for Oasis on their still only hypothetical tour next year, Fray had a very quick answer:
Not to speak for the Middleton musician, but it’s a bit of a no-brainer, really.
As you can see, in a recent interview with Radio X host Johnny Vaughan promoting the indie rockers’ new single, ‘Plus One Forever’, the 41-year-old frontman made it clear that he and his bandmates would bite hands off if the other Liam and/or his brother Noel offered a slot to them.
The younger Gallagher brother definitely had plenty of fun teasing supports last time around, before making some fairly more obvious posts and then seemingly just announcing them on social media according to his own timeline.
LG does what he wants, after all.
As for the supposed ’12 nights at the Etihad Stadium’ reported recently, not to mention all the other sets across the country that would no doubt follow should they come to fruition, Fray could say little else other than simply “Yes” to the prospect.
Joking, “Well, it is from me – I don’t know if someone else has said no!”, there have been no other indications on this front, but it’s safe to say it’d be a huge booking for everyone involved and a HUGE crowd-pleaser; Liam looks to be working on one of his own, elsewhere, too…
The two lead singers have both graced the stage of the Emirates Old Trafford stadium at Lancashire County Cricket Club, as well as Heaton Park, respectively.
Liam noted that he was at Heaton Park himself for that unforgettable summer last year, and also praised Wigan’s very own Ashcroft for being “unbelievable” when he caught him at Wembley. Big shoes to fill. The question is, who would you like to see supporting Oasis on their possible tour dates in the future?
In the meantime, we’ll have to be satisfied with gearing up for the release of the highly-anticipated reunion documentary, with the title and a first trailer now revealed.
Trailer released for ‘gripping’ new ITV drama series starring Michelle Keegan
Emily Sergeant
The trailer for a new ITV drama series starring Manchester’s very-own Michelle Keegan has been released.
Already billed as being a ‘gripping’ new series that’s set to have audiences right on the edge of their seats, The Blame will dive into secrets, suspicion and systemic corruption all under the surface of this seemingly quiet town.
The six-part series – which was filmed in and around London late last summer – promises complex characters, unexpected twists, and a mystery at its core.
Produced by the acclaimed Quay Street Productions – which are part of ITV Studios – and written, developed for television, and executive produced by Megan Gallagher, The Blame sees Michelle Keegan take on the role of DCI Kenneth Walker.
A talented ensemble cast stars alongside Keegan, including well-known actors like Douglas Booth, also in a lead role, as well as Ian Hart, Nathan Mensah, Nigel Boyle, Joe Armstrong, Matilda Freeman, Gavin Spokes, Josh Bolt, and Ceallach Spellman in various supporting roles.
The series begins when the body of teenage figure skater, Sophie Madsen, is discovered, sending shockwaves through the town of Wakestead.
As DI Crane (Keegan) and DI Radley (Booth) dig deeper, what starts as a tragic death spirals into a tangled web of lies, institutional cover-ups, and moral compromise. As the clock ticks and trust fractures, Crane must navigate both a murder investigation and the treacherous politics inside her own team.
A trailer for the show has now been released showing the cast in action ahead of airing on ITV later this year.
The trailer has been released for a ‘gripping’ new ITV drama series starring Michelle Keegan / Credit: ITV
“The Blame is a brilliant new crime thriller full of surprising twists and a compelling investigation that also cleverly tackles police corruption, exploitation and misogyny as the thriller unravels,” commented ITV’s Director of Drama, Polly Hill.
“Megan is such a wonderful and clever writer, and with Michelle Keegan in the lead, this is going to be an unmissable drama and one I’m very proud to have on ITV.”
The Manc -
9th February 2024 
