Almost a year on from the world première of Mike Leigh’s masterful Mr Turner, the revered British writer/director has announced the subject of his next feature-length project.
Leigh’s as-yet-untitled film will look at the infamous Peterloo Massace that took place on 16 August, 1819, in which 18 working people were killed and a further 700 injured at the hands of government forces during a peaceful pro-democracy rally at St Peter’s Field in Manchester. Shooting in 2017, the film will reunite Leigh with producer Georgina Lowe and cinematographer Dick Pope.
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Of the project, Leigh has said: “There has never been a feature film about the Peterloo Massacre. Apart from the universal political significance of this historic event, the story has a particular personal resonance for me, as a native of Manchester and Salford.”
‘Peterloo’ will be Leigh’s fourth period feature, following Topsy-Turvy, Vera Drake and Mr Turner, and promises to be another serious passion project from the 72 year old. Get those bets in early for the 2018 awards season.
