The Wigan Casino nightclub closed its doors for the last time in 1981, but these specially-commissioned stories by Laura Barton, herself a Wiganer, celebrate its heyday. In the 1970s the Wigan Casino was arguably the most famous venue at which to listen and dance to Northern Soul music.
Tales From The Casino
Ten Miles High
It’s 1974 and David – newly converted to Northern Soul – is hitch-hiking on the road to Wigan.
Reader: Bryan Dick
What Shall I Do?
Rita is working in the cloakroom at the Wigan Casino. She sees people dance and shout and fall in love. But falling in love is not the exclusive preserve of the young…
Reader: Melanie Kilburn
Three Before Eight
Rob is a DJ at the Casino, but as he sorts his records, he wonders how long the good times will last.
Reader: Daniel Rigby
First Broadcast:
Tuesday - Thursday, 19th-21st April 2011 at 15:30 on BBC Radio 4
Production Credits:
Writer: Laura Barton
Broadcast Assistant: Sarah Tombling
Sound Engineer: Jon Calver
Producer: Jeremy Osborne
Executive Producer: Karen Rose
Music: Do I Love You (Indeed I Do) by Frank Wilson, Ten Miles High by David Huff, One Morning In May by M. Parrish/H. Carmichael & performed by The Ray Noble Orchestra, Have Some Everybody by J Mitchell/M Willis & performed by The Flaming Emeralds, What Shall I Do? by Teddy Vann & performed by Frankie and the Classicals, I Got To Find Me Somebody by D Harris & performed by The Vel-Vets, The Duck by Willie Hutchinson & Time Will Pass You By by D Fekaris/J Rhys/N Zesses