And hundreds of new-generation Northern Soul fans will get the chance to become back-drop stars recreating that amazing all-nighter atmosphere.

Auditions for the hundreds of dance extras that will be needed for the high-energy scenes will take place in September in Wigan's Grand Arcade.
The film-makers are looking for groups of fans who can strut and spin their stuff, one lot between 18 and 25 and the other 25-plus.

The producer is Keith Boak, who has directed episodes of Dr Who, Holby City and The Royal. Yorkshireman Mick Martin, the man behind the hit Casino stage show Once Upon A Time in Wigan, is providing the screenplay.

A cast list is yet to be announced, but there will be cameo roles for local DJ Russ Winstanley, who comes out from behind the turntables to become a bouncer, along with other well-known Casino figures including star dancer and nowadays, martial arts champion, Sandy Holt.

Talks have already started over a cameos in the "medium budget" production for the Mod Father himself, rock star Paul Weller, plus modern day soulers Ocean Colour Scene.

Shooting of the feature length movie is due to start in January, but the film-makers have already been scouring Wigan for locations.
Sites already chosen include the shopping precinct in Woodhouse Lane, for typical 1970s shop backdrops, and Bird Street, Ince, for archetypal terraced housing of Wigan's past.

There will also be leafy location work in Haigh Hall and Parbold, along with buildings set to become a police station, Italian restaurant, hospital, 1970s wedding location and a gym.

They are yet to find the perfect building which, with the addition of a canopy and the wonders of lens technology, will make the Casino Club, the original site having been swallowed by the Grand Arcade.

DJ Russ said: "This is a really exciting project.
"The thing we want to emphasise is that this film, unlike some previous efforts, will show Wigan and the Casino in a massively positive light, a real celebration of the vibrancy of the scene in this town.

"We will bring out the relationship between the people behind the Casino and the members, along with a history which made it all possible."