“The Paper Round Lads”
Tyne Tees Television, film “The Paper Round Lads” at the Boys’ Club.
In a link to the pre-1959 club, there were still some ‘theatrical’ activities taking place. In February 1977 Tyne Tees Television filmed part of “The Paper Round Lads”. Six members around the age of sixteen were to be used for a fight scene around the table tennis tables. Tyne Tees asked if they could pick out six lads who might make “natural” actors.
Actual filming commenced around 10am and Tyne Tees said they expected to finish all sequences by 5.30-6pm at the very latest. The final shooting of the above film took place on Wednesday 16th March at North East Marine. 24 members of WBC took part in an eleven-a-side football scene.
One of those lads was Brian Laws, eventually to become manager of Scunthorpe United, Sheffield Wednesday and Burnley. The lads had to be there by 9am. The Director went through certain moves for rehearsal and gave the young actors instructions. The footballers could wear their tracksuits until he gave them the, “We are going for a take” message. That meant he wanted them to take their tracksuits off and then “give every effort in your acting/footballing capabilities.”
Tyne Tees television gave a donation to Wallsend Boys’ Club for their assistance.
