It looked pretty unremarkable from the outside – as many of the best clubs did – but it became a legend throughout the land.
Now the venue voted “best disco in the world” is being recreated for a film featuring a cinema in the Black Country. Quinton’s Reel Cinema in Hagley Road West, Halesowen, will experience life on the other side of the cameras when it make its own big-screen debut in the independent film about Northern Soul music in the 1970s.
And its not just the building being eyed-up for a screen part – residents are being offered the chance to be an extra.
The Reel cinema will feature as the Wigan Casino in some scenes of Souled Out, an independent film by Ipso Facto Films.
The iconic building has been chosen because of its external appearance which matches that of the Wigan Casino in the 1970s. The club closed in 1981 and the building burned down.
Set in Stoke in 1974, Souled Out tells the story of 17-year-old John McCain whose life is going nowhere until he is introduced to the sound of Northern Soul at the Wigan Casino.
While most of the filming has been done in Stoke where the film is set, the external appearance of King’s Hall in the town was not quite right for the part. Ed Barratt, unit manager on the project, said: “We are using the cinema as the exterior of the Wigan Casino as it has the right look and feel.”
Sandra Millward, manager at The Reel, said she was delighted the independently-owned venue had been chosen.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be a part of it,” she said.
“It will be great for the cinema to experience life on the the other side of the screen and to actually be on it rather than running it.”
Filming at the cinema is expected to take place from 9pm on Friday September 12 to 5am on Saturday September 13, and from 9pm on Saturday 13 until 5am on Sunday 14.
Halesowen Road will be closed. To sign up as an extra, register on-line at www.ipsofactofilms.com
“We are looking for extras to play the crowds baying to get in to the casino,” said Ed.
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