Luck of the Irish falls on Bolton beauty spot
9:04am Tuesday 16th March 2010 in News
CASTING CALL: Documentary film maker, Charles Sandbach, front right, with cameraman Ian Livesey, and cast and crew in Barrow Bridge woods
A SCENIC part of Bolton was transformed into a 17th-century Irish village to feature in a new documentary film.
Decked out in period costume, ten actors backed by dozens of extras descended on Barrow Bridge as a crew shot footage for a new film telling the often brutal history of Ireland.
The 80-minute film will be presented by Bolton-born Robin Thompson and is the creation of Astley Bridge documentary maker and historian Charles Sandbach.
Their production company, Inspired TV, has already produced several historical documentaries that have been sold worldwide and the new DVD will be released later this year.
But first the team must complete the filming, taking in trips to the Republic of Ireland and then New York.
Mr Sandbach, aged 43, said: “This story has never been told in this way before and we are confident that the finished product will prove very popular with our target audience.”
The crew shot two scenes in Barrow Bridge. One detailed the story of two girls being kidnapped in the 17th century so they could be sold into slavery in Barbados.
The other featured the tale of a starving 19th-century Irish family begging a rich landowner for food.
Mr Sandbach said: “These scenes illustrated examples of appalling crimes against humanity.”
But he added: “Everything went extremely well.
“All ten of our cast members were from Bolton — four of them were from Bolton Little Theatre youth group and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves.
“Our thanks also go out to the locals who came along to support us as extras. Everyone enjoyed worked very professionally.
“We couldn’t have asked for more.
“Bolton Little Theatre also provided the costumes.
“A special mention must go to Nick Haworth from their youth group for his wonderful co-operation.”
