Brassic has become a popular hit, with its unique blend of comedy and drama resonating with audiences. Set in the fictional town of Hawley, the series, while inspired by Joe Gilgun’s upbringing in Chorley, was filmed across the northwest of England. Location manager Jonathan Davies, who joined the team in 2018, sheds light on the various filming spots that brought the world of Brassic to life.
The world of Brassic was designed to feel authentic, and this required selecting filming locations that matched the show’s gritty, down-to-earth vibe. According to Jonathan, the process was a highly collaborative effort between the director, the crew, and Joe Gilgun. They wanted to create a visual landscape that complemented the series’ narrative. The goal was to transport viewers to a world that felt lived-in and believable.
Vinnie’s Shack in the Woods
One of the most memorable locations in Brassic is Vinnie’s shack, which serves as his home. Vinnie, portrayed by Joe Gilgun, is a character who prefers solitude, living alone in a makeshift shack tucked away in the woods. This location was filmed in the woodlands above Bolton, a spot that fascinated the director. Despite the logistical challenges of getting equipment and crew into the remote location, the site was too perfect to pass up.
The site had a horseshoe-shaped collection of trees, an established woodland area, and a stream running through it. A clearing provided a view of distant buildings, subtly hinting at a nearby town, reinforcing the idea that Vinnie keeps his distance from society.
Bacup as Hawley Town Centre
Though Brassic is set in the fictional town of Hawley, the real filming took place in Bacup, a small town located near West Yorkshire. While Joe Gilgun drew inspiration from his hometown of Chorley, Bacup provided the perfect backdrop due to its architecture and industrial history.
The town had once been prosperous, but like many former mill towns, much of the industry had disappeared, leaving behind a unique atmosphere of forgotten people and places. The mix of Victorian buildings and the remnants of Art Deco styles gave Bacup an interesting, layered look. This combination of architectural periods helped bring the fictional town of Hawley to life.
The Car Chase Through the Countryside
The opening sequence of Brassic features an exhilarating car chase through winding country roads. For this scene, the production team ventured into West Yorkshire. Jonathan, who was familiar with the area, was able to secure road closures with Calderdale Council, allowing the crew to film the chase uninterrupted.
Filming in this rural area, which was still part of the Pennines, allowed the team to capture the rugged, northern. The crew closed two intersecting country roads to film the sequence over the course of two days. Drones and other camera techniques were used to capture the high-speed chase through fields, contributing to the scene’s intensity.
Creating Ash’s Caravan Site
One of Vinnie’s friends, Ash, is from the traveler community, which required the creation of a temporary caravan site for the show. Jonathan found a location close to the Etihad Stadium in Manchester, which was a blank canvas for the production. This unused piece of land, with a striking backdrop of an old gasometer, was transformed into a bustling caravan site.
The production team had to reschedule filming due to an event at the nearby stadium. Manchester City’s matches often drew large crowds, and the crew needed to work around the timing of the game to avoid disruptions. Despite this, the location was perfect for Ash’s character, and the team managed to create a believable environment.
The Local Pub: The Star and Garter
The local pub in Brassic, a central hangout spot for the characters, was filmed at The Star and Garter, a historic pub located next to Piccadilly Station. The pub’s unique, old-school atmosphere made it the perfect location to represent the show’s gritty, working-class setting.
Jonathan explains that this location was one of the first to be chosen. Unlike many modern pubs that have been heavily refurbished, The Star and Garter retained much of its original character, which made it stand out. The pub also offered the advantage of being more of an evening destination, which worked well for the show’s filming schedule.
The Farm and Barn: A Key Location in the Series
In the first episode of Brassic, the characters leave their car at a farm, which becomes an important recurring location throughout the series. The farm is located on a hill separating Bacup from Burnley and is surrounded by wind farms. The steep hillside presented some challenges for the crew, as getting the equipment and crew members up to the location was a considerable effort.
Despite the challenges, the breathtaking views and ruggedness made it an ideal setting for key scenes, including the bare-knuckle boxing fights later in the series. The farm’s remoteness and isolation fit the tone of the show, and although it often rained during filming, the location added a raw authenticity to the scenes.
Erin’s House: A Hidden Gem in Ashton-Under-Lyne
Erin’s house, the home of Michelle Keegan’s character, was filmed in an area just outside Ashton-Under-Lyne, heading towards Heartshead Pike. Jonathan notes that this location was perfect because of its unique combination of urban and rural elements. While Ashton-Under-Lyne is a town, the house was situated in a way that, within a few minutes’ walk, the surrounding countryside could be reached.
The crew selected a housing estate with varied topography that made it visually interesting, as the roads leading to the house gave the impression of being situated above the town. Once the location was chosen, the team worked to find a willing homeowner, a process that involved writing polite letters and shortlisting potential properties.
The Surgery: A Surprising Location
Vinnie’s visits to the doctor, played by Dominic West, were filmed in a surprising location: a second-floor room at the Frederick Road Campus at Salford University. The campus provided the perfect setting, particularly since filming took place during the university’s term break, ensuring fewer disruptions.
The university’s quiet atmosphere and the availability of the location fit well with the tone of the scenes. Coordinating Dominic West’s availability with the filming schedule was another challenge, but the location ultimately worked perfectly for the character’s medical visits.
The Sewers: Filming in a Studio
In one memorable scene, Vinnie and his friends venture into the sewers to attempt a heist. This sequence was filmed in a studio at The Sharp Project in Newton Heath, Manchester. Although much of Brassic was filmed on location, certain scenes, like this one, were shot indoors to ensure control over the environment.
Jonathan explains that filming was kept away from central Manchester to avoid the city’s traffic and congestion. The Sharp Project offered an ideal base for production, as it was located outside the busy city center, making it easier for the crew to access various locations in the Pennines and beyond.
