Trafford on Screen

In early 2021, Trafford Local Studies was approached by Councillor Tom Ross with the idea of highlighting locations in Trafford that have appeared in film and television. Below, you will see a combination of images submitted by the public and archive photographs held by Trafford Local Studies. 

You can also view the locations as an interactive map. 

Peter Kay’s Car Share – Sale Town Hall 

This winning photograph was sent in by Lesley Locke and shows Sale Town Hall as it appeared in Peter Kay’s Car Share.  

Coronation Street (2010) - St Martin's Church, Ashton-upon-Mersey

Corrie fans may remember the funeral of Dierdre Barlow's mother Blanche, which was filmed in the church in 2010, following the real-life death of Maggie Jones, who played her in the soap. 

It's a Sin (2021) - Jackson's Boat, Sale 

Written and created by Russell T. Davies, television series It's a Sin follows a group of friends facing the HIV and AIDS epidemic in 1980s London, although many scenes were filmed in Manchester and the surrounding area. Jackson's Boat masqueraded as protagonist Ritchie Tozer's local pub in his parent's hometown on the Isle of Wight. 

A Taste of Honey (1961) - The Church Inn, Flixton

The Church Inn, Flixton was used as a filming location for A Taste of Honey, adapted from a play of the same name by Shelagh Delaney. The films tells the story of a disfunctional relationship between a mother and daughter in a run-down part of Salford. 

England is Mine (2017) - The Essoldo, Chester Road, Stretford 

This biographical film is based on Morrissey’s early years in Stretford, before the formation of The Smiths. A Stretfordian in real life, Morrissey grew up on King’s Road in the 1970s. England is Mine used a number of locations that would have been familiar to the singer, including the former Essoldo cinema on Chester Road. Viewers familiar with the building may have noticed the red and grey paintwork, rather than the distinctive blue that you see today.

The Lovers! (1973) - Manchester United Football Ground, Old Trafford

            Geoffrey Scrimshaw: ... I'm Geoffrey... I don't happen to be attached.

            Beryl Battersby: ... I'm Beryl... I don't happen to be surprised.

Written by Jack Rosenhal and directed by Herbert Wise, this feature film is based on the Granada Television sitcom The Lovers. The film follows the courtship of two young people from Manchester, Beryl (Paula Wilcox) and Geoffrey (Richard Beckinsale), as they navigate the 'permissive' society in 1970s Manchester. The film features George Best's "Edwardia" boutique and Manchester United's Old Trafford football stadium.

Peter Kay's Car Share (2015) - John Leigh Park, Altrincham 

Peter Kay's Car Share is a British sitcom set around two supermarket work colleagues, John and Kayleigh ( Peter Kay and Sian Gibson) and their participation in a company car sharing scheme. As they travel to and from work, John and Kayleigh listen to Forever FM; a fictitious radio station which has music alternating with terrible advertisements and promotions. The series was filmed around Greater Manchester and included many familiar sights and locations in the Trafford area including John Leigh Park, Altrincham. In June 2013, the actors were seen filming in John Leigh Park and down nearby Oldfield Road.

Cold Feet (1998-2003) – Bowdon

Hit comedy-drama Cold Feet followed the turbulent relationships of three couples in their thirties, all living in the Manchester area. For the first five series, a house in Bowdon was used as the filming location for Karen and David’s marital home.  

Mandy (1952) – Clyne House, Stretford

Adapted from Hilda Lewis’ The Day is Ours, this film tells the story of Mandy, who was born deaf, and who was taken by her parents to a school in Manchester so that she could learn how to speak. Filming took place at Clyne House in Stretford, which was used as a branch school for deaf children.

Citizen Khan (2014) - Red House Farm, Dunham Massey

BBC sitcom Citizen Khan stars Adil Ray as Mr Khan, a self-appointed community leader, originally from Pakistan but now living with his family in Birmingham. In one episode, the protagonist attempts to track down Prince Charles at a farmers’ market, filmed at Red House Farm.

Coronation Street (2016) – Sale High School

Sale High School’s sports hall formed the backdrop for a storyline focussing on Simon Barlow and his step-mum Leanne. The filming location was suggested by a member of the production team who was a former pupil and head boy at the school.

Last Tango in Halifax (2016) – Altrincham Little Theatre

This former Methodist chapel, which is now home to the Altrincham Little Theatre, appeared in a Christmas episode of The Last Tango in Halifax: a drama-comedy centred around a couple in their seventies who were reunited after decades apart.

The Real Housewives of Cheshire (2015-present) – Hale Road, Hale Barns 

Following the success of similar American reality TV series, The Real Housewives of Cheshire follows the glamourous lifestyles of a number of wealthy women in the Cheshire and Greater Manchester areas. Hale Barns formed the backdrop for a number of their extravagant exploits.

Believe (2013) – Stretford Mall

This film, inspired by real people and events, tells the story of eleven year old Georgie, who is unruly but gifted at football. His talent is recognised by football manager Sir Matt Busby, who comes out of retirement to coach the child. Stretford Mall, a familiar location to local director David Scheinmann, featured in the opening scenes.  

Shameless (2010) – Timperley Library

Set on the fictional Chatsworth Estate in Manchester, Paul Abbott’s drama charts the rollercoaster lives of the Gallagher clan. In the opening episode of series 7, filmed at Timperley Library, Frank Gallagher encounters librarian Libby, who convinces him to campaign to save the library.

Frank: you get most stuff online now though, eh?

Libby: that’s no substitute for books.

In true Shameless fashion, the protest transforms into a riot, complete with protestors fighting with police and cars set on fire.