CLAPPERBOARD UK in partnership with Liverpool Pride and Outsiders present
Liverpool writer Frank Clarke and a screening of his acclaimed feature film –
THE FRUIT MACHINE
Sunday 8 August 2010, 7.00p.m.
Picturehouse@fact
FACT, 88 Wood Street, Liverpool, L1 4DQ
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The Fruit Machine, shot on location in Liverpool, directed by Philip Saville (The Life and Loves of a She Devil, The Gospel of John, Metroland) & written by Frank Clarke (Brookside, Letter to Brezhnev, Blond Fist) is the story Eddie and Michael who are best friends on the brink of adulthood. Eddie likes watching old movies on video with his mum. Michael likes video games and the street. They are total opposites that argue like an old married couple.
Leaving behind the grim, oppressive reality of Liverpool, they stumble into the bizarre fantasy world of a transvestite nightclub called The Fruit Machine, run by “Annabelle”. There, they witness a brutal gangland murder, by Echo, that transforms their quest for adventure into a run for their lives. Alone and afraid, yet hopeful, they wind up in Brighton with Vincent and Eve at Wonderland, where their path is strewn with manipulation, deceit and murder.
Liverpool born Frank Clarke, brother of Margi and Angela, had his first success working on Liverpool’s award winning soap Brookside. He then went on to write acclaimed low budget feature film, Letter to Brezhnev and Blonde Fist.
Frank Clarke said “I wrote Fruit Machine in 1985 and it was meant to be an allegory of what was happening to our young gay brothers, men who were brutally stolen from life by virtue of their sexuality. It was a time to stand up and be counted and this film is a tribute to all of our beautiful mates who didn’t make it.”
Clapperboard’s director, Maureen Sinclair said “The issues that Frank tackled in The Fruit Machine, are still prevalent today. Clapperboard’s young people, supported by our Active Citizens Panel, are committed to challenging all types of prejudice and informing all sections of our communities. The ‘hate crime’ theme for next year’s film-making project will enable us to continue to work towards a safer and more just society.”
Frank Clarke will take part in a Q & A session after the screening.
Clapperboard Presents… is an exciting new initiative from Clapperboard UK’s Director Maureen Sinclair re-visiting and celebrating the groundbreaking work of award winning talented artists including Alison Steadman, Rita Tushingham, Willy Russell, David Morrissey, Frank Cottrell Boyce, Jimmy McGovern, Margi Clarke, Nik Powell, Paul Abbott, Ian Hart, Christine Tremarco and many more professionals from ‘in front of’ and ‘behind’ the camera.
Income raised from Clapperboard Presents… will go toward the Clapperboard Youth Project.
Event Information
Tickets are £10 each. Concessions £7 from direct from FACT box office and include a complimentary drink and entertainment at 3345 Parr Street afterwards.
LISTING INFORMATION
THE FRUIT MACHINE (By Frank Clarke)
picturehouse@fact
Wood Street
Liverpool
L1 4DQ
Performance time: 7.00pm
Tickets: £5 and £10 – from FACT box office.
The screening of Fruit Machine forms part of Liverpool Pride’s Chill Out Sunday.
More information can be found at www.clapperboarduk.com
Clapperboard UK Ltd is a non profit making organisation and has worked successfully with more than one thousand young people between the ages of 12-19 across the North West bringing creativity into their lives.
Partners and sponsors of Clapperboard Youth Project include: Merseyside Police, Bermans Solicitors, Lime Pictures, Knowsley Housing Trust, Merseytravel, Bananafish Management, Bill Elms Associates, Pinewood Studios, Panavision, Liverpool Echo, Government Office North West,T5 Event Media, Government Office North West, Deutsche Bank, Community Foundation for Merseyside, EventSinc and Forward Culture, Hope Street Hotel, Alma de Cuba.
Postal Address: Fenwick House, 2nd Floor, 15 Fenwick Street, Liverpool, L2 7LS.