Film director to give talk on Morrissey's teenage years in Trafford

The BAFTA and Oscar-nominated film director behind big-screen Morrissey biopic, England is Mine, will give a talk on the Davyhulme singer's teenage years in 1970s Trafford.

Mr Gill, from Stretford, will talk about his critically acclaimed film at Reel Around the Fountain Records in Stretford Mall on Saturday, July 7.

It's part of a celebration of the music of Morrissey, The Smiths, and Manchester indie classics to be held at the independent record shop this summer.

The record shop, itself named after a Smiths song, is owned by Nigel Young, who landed a cameo in the film in a scene set in the famous Disc and Tape Exchange. The film starring award winning actor Jack Lowden as a teenage Morrissey, was partly filmed at Stretford Mall.

The afternoon’s entertainment at Reel Around the Fountain Records will start at 1pm on July 7 with a Smiths inspired set by DJ Aidy Farr, featuring music from Morrissey and other classic indie tunes from the era.

There will also be an auction of Morrissey and The Smiths memorabilia with all the money raised going to charity. Trafford Carers, which has a retail shop in Stretford Mall and supports hundreds of carers of all ages, will receive the proceeds.

The one-off special Q&A comes a year after England is Mine was premiered at Edinburgh Film Festival, giving fans a gritty portrait of Morrisey’s early life in Trafford, before the mercurial singer found fame with The Smiths.

Mark Gill said: “I grew up in Stretford near where Steve Morrissey lived. I was a musician for 14 years before I decided on a career in films and The Smiths were my first love.

“We used Nigel’s shop to recreate a quite famous store based in Manchester. It was a magnet for young people like Morrissey.

“I’m pleased to say England Is Mine is still being released. I flew to America last year and as we speak it’s being released in North Korea.”

The film tells the story of the teenage Steven Patrick Morrissey before he formed The Smiths in 1982 with Johnny Marr. The film title comes from a Smiths song, Still Ill – “England is mine, and it owes me a living”.

It stars Jack Lowden as Morrissey and co-stars Jessica Brown Findlay as artist Linder Sterling and Laurie Kynaston as Johnny Marr.

Morrissey comes across as a sullen and shy teenager who is inspired to continue writing lyrics and to begin performing by Linder Sterling, who eventually moves to live in London.

Although he writes some songs with guitarist Billy Duffy and he tries his hand at singing, he remains withdrawn and very much a loner.

The film ends with guitarist Johnny Marr, with whom he went on to form The Smiths, showing up on Morrissey’s Davyhulme doorstep.

Reel Around the Fountain Records owner Nigel Young is encouraging music fans to come along to the event and take part in the auction, in aid of his neighbours at Stretford Mall, charity Trafford Carers.

Nigel said: “Mark is bringing a couple of England Is Mine film posters along signed by both himself and Morrissey star Jack Lowden, and we don’t know as yet what the other items will be, but I can guarantee there will be several nice bits and pieces up for auction.”

During filming at his shop, the production team mocked up album covers to cover the walls.

He said: "They even made up the names of fictitious bands. And I even made a cameo appearance myself!

“People forget too easily what a rich history of musical talent Manchester boasts. The Stone Roses, Oasis and New Order have all been fairly recent, but what about Buzzcocks and Take That?

“And in the 1960s there were The Hollies, The Mindbenders, Herman’s Hermits, and even Freddie and the Dreamers.

“A friend reminded me that Mark was a year behind me at primary school in Stretford, but we didn’t realise it when we met. Our paths have gone in far different directions since those school days.”

DJ Aidy Farr, who will kick off the afternoon’s proceedings, admits he is one of The Smiths' biggest fans.

He said: “I guess it was my idea to stage the Morrissey and Smiths tribute afternoon. But I couldn’t have done anything without the help of Nigel and Mark. This event owes everything to them.”

Stretford Mall manager Gareth Wilkins said the shopping centre was delighted to welcome Mark and the film crew to shoot scenes of England Is Mine.

Gareth said: “We’ll put out the welcome mat for Mark again on Saturday, July 7 for what are sure to be fascinating insights into the world of a film director.

“And the auction is for a particularly good cause – I know the work of Trafford Carers Centre is very much valued by the people it helps.”