previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 01 JANUARY 2025
DECEMBER AT TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
December 04: Telemann Baroque Ensemble – this experienced troupe of talented musicians appear at Toad Lane Concerts four times a year. You could almost say they are the resident band! They can always be relied upon for great musicmaking. The line up varies from time to time and today consisted of Alastair Roberts (flute), Elaine da Costa & Sarah Snape (violins), and John Goodstadt (viola). Crucially, Roger Bisby (cello) and Peter Collier (harpsichord) gave the fundamental basis throughout (called the basso continuo), which provides the authentic Baroque sound, and which is ideally suited to St Mary in the Baum Church. Glorious playing of Handel, JCF Bach, Buffardin and Francesco Mancini.
December 11: More than Melody – Ladies’ choir wished a ‘very very merry merry Christmas’ in song. It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas with this returning ladies choir under guest conductor Ken Greaves and accompanist Brian Milligan. Their varied programme consisted of songs and settings of popular and serious songs on a seasonal theme. The final set Calypso Noel, Jingle Bell Rock, and soloist with audience participation with White Christmas culminated in the inspiring song by Stephen Lawrence - A very very merry merry Christmas. Great sentiments indeed!
This was more than melody alone – moments of serious reflection heightened amid fun and frolics.
December 18: Notability – mixed voice choir Established in 1993 when eight choristers formed an ensemble to sing at a wedding, it is organised on democratic lines, which works remarkably well, mainly because they listen to each other, through which they achieve exquisite a cappella (unaccompanied) harmonies. This is enhanced at times with sensitive piano accompaniments from Lesley Cavanagh.
For their welcome return to St Mary in the Baum, their healthy varied menu consisted of carols and settings of words on a seasonal theme from mediaeval times to the present day, both sacred and secular. Notability members are rightly noted for their proficiency, and they also noticeably cooperate well as an ensemble, blending sympathetically and phrasing sensitively. The result is a sublime and focused sound. They certainly succeeded in their stated intention to ‘convey … the magic of this joyous Christmas season’.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30 pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Full cast announced for Bolton Octagon’s UK tour of Animal Farm
Preview by Steve Cooke
Due to phenomenal demand following the Octagon’s acclaimed co-production earlier this year with Derby Theatre and Hull Truck, they are set to embark on a 2025 UK spring tour of this chilling and powerful re-telling of George Orwell’s timeless fable, Animal Farm – marking the 80th anniversary of the original novel, and the full cast have now been confirmed.
Adapted for the stage by Ian Wooldridge and directed by esteemed theatre director, Iqbal Khan (East is East, Birmingham Rep & National Theatre, Tartuffe, Royal Shakespeare Company, Opening Ceremony of Commonwealth Games) the tour will commence at the Octagon Theatre Bolton from Wed 22 January – Sat 1 February 2025.
The show will then visit Rose Theatre, Kingston (Tue 4 – Sat 8 Feb), Malvern Theatre (Tue 11 – Sat 15 Feb), Curve Theatre, Leicester (Tue 25 Feb – Sat 1 Mar), Queens Theatre Hornchurch (Tue 4 – Sat 8 Mar), Yvonne Arnaud Theatre (Tue 11 – Sat 15 Mar), Perth Theatre (Tue 25 – Sat 29 Mar) and Liverpool Playhouse (Tue 1 – Sat 5 April).
The cast includes Sam Black (Animal Farm, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Derby Theatre and Hull Truck, Cyrano De Bergerac, Harold Pinter Theatre and BAM New York) as Boxer; Natalia Campbell (The Tempest, The Royal Shakespeare Company, Tartuffe, The Royal Shakespeare Company and Birmingham Rep) as Old Major and Clover; Olivia Chandler (Animal Farm, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Derby Theatre and Hull Truck, Around the World in 80 Days, Octagon Theatre Bolton) as Mollie; Lewis Griffin (All of Us, National Theatre, Comedy of Errors, Royal Shakespeare Company) as Squealer; Soroosh Lavasani (UK tour of Peter Pan Goes Wrong, Mischief Theatre and Kenny Wax, Romeo & Juliet, Red Rose Chain) as Snowball; Rhian Lynch (Peter Pan The Musical, Birmingham Old Rep Theatre, Miss Popplewell’s Garden, The Rude Mechanicals Theatre Company) as Napoleon.
Completing the cast is Kai Spellman (Around the World in 80 Days, Octagon Theatre Bolton, Ali and Dahlia, Pleasance Theatre) as Male Swing as well as being Associate Director for the production; and Heather Porte (Jack and the Beanstalk, Oxford Playhouse, The Lost Present, Topsy Turvy Theatre) as Female Swing.
When the downtrodden animals of Manor Farm overthrow their master, they imagine it is the beginning of a new life of freedom and equality. However, over time they find themselves ensnared as one tyranny is quickly replaced with another.
Animal Farm is Orwell’s enduring and devastating satire about the corruption of power, that comments on the imbalance among society and demonstrates how some are more equal than others.
A story as relevant today as when it was written in 1945, this classic tale will be brought vividly to life on stages across the UK in this gripping production for 2025.
The full creative team will be returning for the touring production, which includes Iqbal Khan (director); Ciaran Bagnall (set and lighting designer); Gerry Marsden (sound designer); Su Newell (costume designer and supervisor); Shelley Eva Haden (movement director); Dylan Towley (composer).
Commenting on the upcoming tour, the Octagon’s Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham said: “After an incredible reaction from audiences earlier this year we are thrilled to be taking our production of Animal Farm on the road to venues across the UK in 2025. We have assembled a sensational company of actors and a fantastic creative team to bring this highly physical and visually stunning piece of theatre to life.”
“2025 will mark 80 years since this classic novel was first published; with so many of the themes still so relevant today, I am really excited that our production will honour this landmark anniversary, bringing a fresh and compelling adaptation to modern day audiences.”
Animal Farm director, Iqbal Khan added: “I am delighted to be returning to this production once again and taking it to even more audiences across the UK.”
“At its heart Animal Farm has such a powerful and important message, even 80 years on from when Orwell first wrote the book, and I am delighted we have such an incredibly talented cast of actors and creatives to share this new vision for this vital story.”
Animal Farm comes to the Octagon Theatre Bolton from Wed 22 January – Sat 1 February 2025.
Tickets for the Octagon Theatre Bolton are on sale now.
Visit: https://octagonbolton.co.uk/
Phone: 01204 520661 (option 2)
Mon: Closed
Tue to Fri: 12pm - 5pm
Sat: 12pm - 3.30pm
Sun: Closed
Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft S, Bolton BL1 1SB
RECOMMENDED
Thursday 02 January 2025 - Saturday 04 January 2025
Visit Fireground Museum
Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester's firefighting story.
Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the new Fireground Café, and souvenirs from our fantastic new gift shop! We have a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.
Under 4s are free, Children (aged 4-15) and Concessions £5, Adults £7 and Family (4 people) £20.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Monday 06 January 2025
Norden and District Local History Society
Iain Bowden – The History Hare Hill House, Littleborough.
Non-members welcome.
£2.50 members , non-members £3.50
7pm
Norden Bowling Club, Trinity Street, Norden OL12 7RD
Tuesday 07 January 2025
Rochdale & District Camera Club - What's coming up and Lens discussion
Session: What's coming up and Lens discussion.
Discuss the syllabus for the next few months. Alan S.
Discussion around Prime lenses vs zoom lenses. John C.
Reminder that we need new pictures for the Littleborough exhibition
We meet every Tuesday at 8pm at Syke Methodist Church Hall.
You are more than welcome to come down to one of our club nights to see if you would enjoy joining the club.
Visit the link below for the 2025 syllabus.
New members very Welcome to join us.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Wednesday 08 January 2025
Tea Dances with Prima Dance
Join us as we waltz back into a cherished tradition and let the rhythm of sequence dancing sweep you off your feet.
The Tea Dance will fill the Grand Hall every first Wednesday of the month. Immerse yourself in an afternoon of joy and connection, as friends old and new come together to enjoy the magic of dance.
Prima Dance invites you to glide in harmony with your fellow dancers while executing the same routines, moving gracefully in an anticlockwise direction around the room. Each step you take offers a chance to bond with others, making memories that linger long after the last note fades.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, we warmly welcome all skill levels.
Mark your calendars and prepare for an enchanting mix of rhythm, relaxation, and reconnecting. We can't wait to see you back on the dance floor at Rochdale Town Hall.
£6.50 including refreshments
Phone: 01706 924797
1pm - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday 08 January 2025
Rochdale Antiques Society - Putting the House to Bed - Simon Feingold
Expert on antique furniture & Stately Homes will tell us some behind the scenes tasks.
Visitors are very welcome at our meetings, just turn up on the night. There is no limit on the number of meetings that visitors can attend.
Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month.
Meetings run from September to May.
Visitors charge - £5
Phone: Society Secretary, Ann Lord 01706 844026
7.30pm
St Vincent's Community Centre, Caldershaw Road, Norden OL12 7QL
(Sat Nav: OL12 7QR)
Wednesday 08 January 2025
Whitworth Historical Society
“Barging in Holland” by Jo & Janna May.
(note: - this will be held at the Hallfold URC schoolroom)The Netherlands and the Low Countries are well known for their network of rivers and canals which were once the ‘domain’ of merchants for the transport of goods from inland factories to Holland’s major sea ports. Today, whilst commerce remains very much in evidence, these waterways have become more used to holiday cruises and leisure activities. Jo & Janna tell us of their experiences whilst travelling Holland’s watery roadways
Please note - Please check the venue for this meeting before you attend using the website link below or by contacting the Secretary. Some meetings will be held in the Hallfold URC schoolroom as it has a far greater capacity than the museum.
Whitworth Historical Society have a programme of monthly lectures, which are usually held on the first Wednesday in every month, between the months of October and June, at 7.30pm.
Visit the link below for a list of upcoming talks/lectures.
Free but donations welcome
Phone: Secretary 07816 911 556
7.30pm start
Whitworth Heritage Museum, North Street, Whitworth OL12 8RA
Wednesday 08 January 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Voci voices Elizabeth Ambrose, Margaret Ferguson sopranos, Eric Cymbir tenor, Mackenzie Paget baritone and Jonathan Ellis piano.
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020… during the pandemic!
Running every Wednesday, Music at Lunchtime is a weekly live classical music concert series that has been going since the 1960s. The sessions were initially run at the old Rochdale Art Gallery by the local authority, but since May 2001 have been run by volunteer-enthusiasts and artistic director, Dr Joe Dawson.
£6
Phone: Dr Joe Dawson 01706 648872
Doors open 12noon, concert starts 12.30pm - 1.30pm
St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane/St Mary's Gate, Rochdale OL16 1DZ
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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