Sky comedy Brassic, created by and starring Joe Gilgun, is based on his experiences growing up in the north. While he made some changes to the story, many of the filming locations can still be seen in real life.
Gilgun’s actual hometown of Chorley, Lancashire, has been changed to become Hawley in the series. The star and creator said that many events in the episodes have deep connections to his own life, though some details were altered.
He shared: “I can’t really go into it too much because I’m going to get in trouble in Chorley!
“All I’ll say is some of it happened, some of it is loosely based on reality and some of it we made up. You’ll have to guess what’s what!”
Even though no scenes were filmed in Chorley, series writer Danny Brocklehurst explained that they drew inspiration from where Gilgun grew up. He said: “It’s because it is not like the centre of Manchester, it’s on the far outskirts and is a very rural setting.
“Taking the stories that Joe has told and setting them in an urban environment just didn’t feel right, so we wanted to stay in a rural setting.”
However, many locations across the north were used to shoot scenes for the final season of Brassic.
Bacup
Bacup, which is based on Chorley and called Hawley in the series, is located on the south-eastern border of Lancashire, close to Greater Manchester and West Yorkshire.
The cast has shared that they enjoy returning to the town between seasons because the local people are so welcoming. Michelle Keegan, who previously starred in the BBC series Our Girl and plays Erin in the show, said: “Everyone is so lovely there.
And because it’s a small community as well, I think as soon as they get wind that we’re filming there, everyone just wants to come out and get involved and see it, see the crew and say hello. So it’s a really nice place to film.”
Tom Hanson, who plays Cardi, added: “The north of England is so beautiful – I just love it. Especially if we get a sunny day and we are up the side of a mountain in Lancashire or Yorkshire.”
Blackpool’s North Pier
In episode four of the fifth season, Keegan storms an arcade in her fictional hometown of Molden, but the scenes were actually filmed at Blackpool’s North Pier. Of the three piers in Blackpool, the north is the oldest and filled with vintage amusements and games that attract tourists to the famous seaside town. You can even spot the sunset lounge and theatre in this episode.
AJ Bell Stadium, Salford
Ashley’s traveller site has had several homes over the six seasons, with its final location from season three onwards being in Salford at the AJ Bell Stadium. The stadium is easily recognized by the M60 motorway running through the background. Initially, the site was located at Eastlands, near the Etihad Stadium, in an area that was once known as Manchester’s “wasteland.”
Brassic: All Filming LocationsHaigh Hall, Wigan
In one episode, the crew steals a wedding at a grand home. The location for this is Haigh Hall in Wigan. The surrounding woodland on the estate was developed between 1827 and 1840 for James Lindsay, the 7th Earl of Balcarres.
Frederick Road Campus, Salford University
Vinnie’s visits to Dr. Cox happen at the Frederick Road Campus of Salford University. The University of Salford is spread across three campuses—Peel Park, Frederick Road, and MediaCity—located just half a mile from central Manchester.
Arley Hall, Cheshire
Vinnie’s shack has been moved to several locations since the show began. Initially set in the woodlands of Bolton, the shack was later relocated to the woods near Arley Hall in Cheshire. Co-creator Danny Brocklehurst explained that the original location was difficult to access, so they found a more convenient spot.
The Arley Hall estate was used for other scenes, like the classic car show in season 3, episode 4, making it easier to use the woodlands nearby for the shack. Arley Hall is a stately home with a chapel and a Grade II listing, and it is the residence of Viscount Ashbrook and his family.
Star & Garter, Manchester
The fictional Crow’s Nest pub in Brassic is filmed inside the real-life Star and Garter pub in central Manchester. Parth Thakerar, who plays JJ, shared his thoughts on the pub: “It’s got such a history in Manchester, in itself, and it’s also one of the most wackiest pubs I think I’ll ever visit. We’ve all had many, many, many days, if not weeks in that pub, it feels like home away from home!”