16
The Films
Page
Manchester on the big screen
By
Rebecca Bibbo
What do the Northern Quarter, Mangle Street and the Town Hall have in common? Located in Manchester, they have been used as locations for some blockbuster films produced by Hollywood.
Nothern Quarter
Located in the city centre, the Northern Quarter is known for its alternative atmosphere, surrounded by bars, cafes and popular music venues.
Occasionally, the Northern Quarter streets have been used as filming locations due to their towering buildings and pre-war architecture. In 2004, Soap Street in Shudehill was used to double Manhattan in Alfie, while in 2008 some of the locations used in Sherlock Holmes included: Bunsen Street, the Courtyard off Hilton Street and Mangle Street.
Similarly, in 2011 Hollywood star Chris Evans filmed an action-packed car chase scene in Dale Street, which was transformed into 1940s New York for Captain America: The First Avenger.
Town Hall
Situated in Albert Square, the Town Hall is a Victorian, Neo-gothic municipal building used as the ceremonial headquarters of Manchester City Council.
Due to its similarity with the Palace of Westminster, the Town Hall has been used several times as a location for both television and films. In 2008, the Great Hall doubled as the House of the Lords in Sherlock Holmes, while the interior courtyard was used for a key fight scene.
Again, in 2011 the Town Hall was used to portray the Houses of Parliament in The Iron Lady, starring Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher. But, what you may not know is that while the filming was taking place at the Town Hall, a couple who had just married there received a very special –and unexpected guest. Any thoughts? Well, Meryl Streep, dressed as Margaret Thatcher, among other members of the cast applauded the couple as they approached the main entrance!
Quiz... Can you spot some of the streets and/or places that were used as filming locations? Good luck!