Manchester's Gay Village transformed into New York neighbourhood as filming for big US show continues

Manchester’s Gay Village has been transformed into a New York neighbourhood as filming on a big American drama continues in the city.

A number of locations across Greater Manchester are currently being used for scenes for an upcoming new TV drama called The Talamasca, which is inspired by the works of Interview with the Vampire novelist Anne Rice.

Last month, filming for the show, which is set to star Oscar-nominated actress Elizabeth McGovern, who many will recognise as Cora, Countess of Grantham, in Downton Abbey, took place within the grounds of a cemetery in Miles Platting.

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Appearing in the cemetery in October alongside Dangerous Liaisons star Nicholas Denton, McGovern looked unrecognisable in silver hair - ditching her familiar black locks usually seen on Downton Abbey.

Today (November 6), filming on the show has continued with Manchester’s Gay Village being changed into a New York street fitted with stores and yellow taxis, and banners dotted alongside the exterior walls.

The Iconic bar, on Richmond Street, has been pictured transformed into a beauty salon named Metro Babes. The entrance of the bar is dotted with advertisements for eyebrow threading and waxing, with prices in dollars and a New York-area phone number on the sign.

The Street Cars taxi unit next door has also been revamped for filming purposes - taking on a new identity as a Wholesale Food Service and Catering shop. Other signs include a G. Gleeson's Drug Company banner, whilst the Istanbul Express takeaway has been transformed into a pharmacy for the show.

The TV drama, which is believed to air on AMC in the US, follows a secret society who identify and track down supernatural beings, including vampires, witches and werewolves, around the world.

The Talamasca, which will also star Black Hawk Down's William Fichtner, forms part of AMC’s Immortal Universe, which also includes the 2022 television adaptation of Interview With The Vampire as well as Mayfair Witches, which will air a second season next year.

Filming for the upcoming show also saw Bolton train station Le Mans Crescent double up for London’s Tottenham Court Road last month.

Over the years, Manchester’s Gay Village has been featured in a range of hit TV shows and movies, including most notably Queer as Folk, Coronation Street and It’s a Sin. Last month, another upcoming show CC: Emily also filmed in the area - taking over Sackville Street for a number of scenes.