Shimmy Marcus’ coming-of-age film is a warm, affectionate portrait of the glory days of Northern Soul, when a generation of young Britons congregated in dance clubs and lost themselves in a world of imported vinyl records from America.

The year is 1974 and the setting is Stoke on Trent. For Joe McCain (Scotland’s own Martin Compston), life is pretty dull and routine. By day he delivers potatoes and by night he heads down to the local pub with his best mate Russ (Alfie Allen). The arrival of beautiful hairdresser Jane (Nichola Burley) turns his world upside down. Desperate to impress her, Joe decides to follow Jane to the Mecca of Northern Soul: the Wigan Casino. From the first moment he walks into the dancehall, Joe knows he’s got a lot of work to do before Jane will give him the time of day. He enlists the help of an old childhood friend, Mandy, and, with a new wardrobe, new hairdo, and most importantly some new dance moves, Joe might just have a chance.

While the story arc might seem predictable, what gives Soulboy its charm is its brash Northern humour, its great soundtrack, and energetic dance sequences. Set design and costumes really capture the mood of an era when records were king.