Red Carpet Laid for Rochdale World Premier

Date published: 08/09/2005

It was Hollywood at home this week in Rochdale, as local production team North Country Pictures introduced a brand new Rochdale produced film, The Jealous God, at a prestigious world premier at the Odeon cinema on Sandbrook Park.

The red carpet was laid for the celebrity cast from the film; including ex-Coronation Street start Denise Welsh, Family Affairs’ Judy Flynn, and the famous catchphrase presenter, Roy Walker.

With posh frocks and lounge suits dress code, hundreds piled into the cinema for a special champagne reception including performances from the Rochdale Youth Big Band. The owners of North Country Pictures, Steven and Julie Woodcock, then introduced the film for the first time in front of  everyone who had taken part in the making of the film.

Director Steven Woodcock said: “making a film is like climbing a mountain, such a big task with so much involved, but so very rewarding. I understand why a mountaineer would want to climb a mountain."

He added: “this is the second film we’ve made, and it is certainly one to be proud of. I can’t possibly thank everyone who has put in an incredible amount of hard work in making The Jealous God, because I would have to count over 200 people. So thank you to everyone who has helped make this happen.”

Denise Welsh, who plays one of the main characters, spoke of her happiness at the end result of The Jealous God: “I am thoroughly pleased with the outcome of the film; I think it reflects the 60’s era beautifully and is very entertaining.”

She added: “Also, I’m very happy for the world premier to take place in Rochdale. I have a lot of affection for this town, not least because I strongly support the GEM Appeal Charity. Plus the people here are lovely.”

Also present was the Mayor of Rochdale Ashley Dearnley, who inevitably shared Denise’s passion for Rochdale. He said: “It makes me very happy and proud for such a prestigious event to occur in the town.”

“The hard work that everyone has put in with making the film and organising tonight’s event is outstanding. All proceeds have gone to Springhill Hospice, and they have raised £3000 which is wonderful.”

The production team is not the only Rochdale based connection to be found in the movie. Various scenes were shot in and around the Rochdale area, including the moors above Denshaw, near Milnrow.  The music also has a Rochdale link, with contributions from the Rochdale Music Service, including a performance by local children on one of the tracks. Award-winning Rochdale band, Layered also feature on the soundtrack. As well as all this, Shawforth based actor Eric Potts, who plays new character Diggory Compton in Coronation Street, also appears on the cast list.

Most of these were guests at the event, and followed up to The Norton Grange Hotel for a prestigious after party, where Layered closed the evening with their set including the song they wrote for the film called ‘Laura’.

The song can be heard on a jukebox in a scene near the end of the film. Layered composed the song, creating it by recording in the lead singers recording studio, and deliberately naming it after the character played by Mairead Carty, with the words reflecting Vincent’s dilemma in the story.

The Jealous God is open to the public from Friday 9 September at cinemas across the UK. For more information, visit the website: