Oldham takes centre stage in new film

A COLISEUM favourite renowned for her screen roles is to star in a new film — set in Oldham.

Sue Devaney is one of several local actors taking part in a project organised by Rochdale singer Brendan Decko — known for his band Brendan Decko and the Ten Commandments.

Everyone taking part in “The Cheeseboard” is from Oldham and Rochdale.

Brendan has financed, written and stars in the low budget black comedy and is hopeful it will be picked up by an independent film company and hit the big time.

It also features Andy Lee, Darren Harper, Martin Ashworth and Colin Meredith — as well as cameos from comedians Bobby Ball and Jimmy Cricket.

Ashton-born Sue (41), who lives in Rochdale, played Debbie Webster in “Coronation Street”, Rita Briggs in “Jonny Briggs”, Lisa Harker in “Casualty”, Jane in “Dinnerladies” and also starred in “Heartbeat” and “The Bill”.

The former Oldham Theatre Workshop student said: “Brendan’s doing it on a very tight budget and I think it’s amazing.

“I admire people like that. I have loads of ideas that I have never done anything with.

“The film’s about the friendship of these three guys and what they get up to from an early age to middle age. I’m playing an estranged wife, one of the main female roles. It’s very funny.

“What’s good about this is that everyone’s involved in it. You have got the input and can say ‘can we try it like this and that’ and for me it’s a real joy.

“It’s quite exciting really. It’s just nice to get local actors involved and nice to be working with old friends again.”

Cast and crew have been filming for two months and expect to be finished in the autumn.

Brendan said: “It’s been going on in my head for four-and-a-half years now and I asked Sue three years ago if she wanted to be involved.

“We have local actors and crew, like the sound engineer, cameraman and director, involved.

“We have done about 16 scenes so far on a shoestring as none of us have got any money, but it’s absolutely superb.

“Originally, it was going to be a 10-minute short but It’s grown into a monster in a brilliant way.

“The actors have helped tremendously and the scenes are superb. It’s a good storyline and script. I don’t think anything has been done like this before.

“It’s about a triangle of friends and the trials and tribulations in their lives and how they help each other.

“It’s very funny but a black comedy with dark moments. It’s completely northern humour. Some scenes are hilarious. The first couple of scenes were shot at the Rifle Range pub in Oldham and were fantastic.

“Once it’s finished we’ll do as many festivals as we can and try and sell it that way.”