previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
Midweek Column Wednesday 06 November 2024
Sleeping Beauty – Middleton's Christmas Panto 2024!
Preview by Steve Cooke
Its panto season! Oh yes, it is!
Sleeping Beauty will be the offering at the Middleton Arena over the festive season.
Starring BBC Strictly Come Dancing‘s Karen Hauer* as Carabosse, CBBC’s Chris Johnson as The Castle Clown, X Factor‘s Sean Smith as Prince, the hilarious Mark Slowey as Queen Ruby, singing sensation Lauren McCrory as Princess Beauty, and introducing Rosie Winter as The Fairy.
*Karen Hauer appears in performances from 21st December only.
Once upon a time, in a Pantoland far away, a beautiful Princess is cursed by the evil Carabosse to perish on her 21st birthday by pricking her finger on a spinning wheel. Thanks to Beauty’s fairy, she only falls into a deep sleep that can be broken by her one true love. Will her handsome prince come to her rescue, fight the dragon, destroy Carabosse and save the day? There’s only one way to find out…
This magical pantomime features great songs from our live band, dazzling dance routines, stunning scenery, beautiful costumes and incredible circus acts. It will be an unforgettable experience for children and adults alike.
Watch the trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sl6fli5TCXE
Duration: 2h 30m Tickets from £16.00
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG
Ticket Sales & Event Enquiries (open Mon-Fri 10am – 2.30pm: 0300 303 8633
Box Office: arts.events@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk
Stones in his Pockets at the Octagon
Review by Hilary Dawes
25 years on from its original successful world tour, acclaimed writer Marie Jones and her son, director Matthew McElhinney, are bringing a fresh take on this funny, thought-provoking award-winning comedy.
Set in rural Ireland, a small village is turned upside down by the arrival of a Hollywood studio to film the latest historical blockbuster. Told through the eyes of local lads Charlie Conlon and Jake Quinn, who are employed as extras, it soon becomes clear that Tinseltown’s romanticised dream of Ireland is a long way from reality.
As Charlie and Jake await their instructions on set, we hear how they dream of a life beyond earning just 100 Euros per day as extras. Jake is cynical, newly returned from America, where his hopes and dreams of success have been shattered. Charlie thinks his screenplay will bring him success, if only he could get a famous figure to take a look. At first Charlie seems the more upbeat and optimistic of the pair, but after the tragic demise of Jake’s cousin Shaun, we learn that he too has suffered dark times.
As shooting continues, we witness the unpredictable nature of film production and meet the various members of the film crew, along with the director and the glamorous heroine, all played by just two cast members, Gerard McCabe and Shaun Blaney, providing an acting master class with their jaw-dropping skills in seamlessly portraying every character (13 in all!). Their astonishing ability to switch gender and voice at lightning speed with just an alteration of stance, facial expression or slight tilt of a hat, is sublime. Each character is instantly credible, notably Gerard McCabe’s self-obsessed leading lady morphing in the blink of an eye into her heavyweight, male Scottish bodyguard! Shaun Blaney’s hilarious portrayal of bossy assistant director Aisling was totally believable, transforming before our eyes into the equally convincing decrepit veteran extra, Mickey.
After his many snide remarks about Charlie’s film script, Jake apologises, and in a flash of inspiration puts forward his idea of how they could work together to take on the industry and use their experience to turn the tables and tell their own story. The feelgood ending holds a surprise which no-one saw coming!
Using minimal stage props, the atmosphere of the film set is brilliantly conveyed thanks to the talented design team, with ingenious AV design elements effectively depicting the sights and sounds of the external locations.
This is a fantastic play, with much raucous comedy and deeply poignant moments, and the richly deserved standing ovation for Gerard and Shaun was set to be a nightly occurrence!
RECOMMENDED
Until Saturday 09 November 2024
Gallery Exhibitions: Rochdale Artists - mixed media.
Most items on display are available to purchase.
for a full 2024 programme of Gallery Exhibitions.
Free
Phone: Littleborough Coach House 01706 378481
10- 3pm
Littleborough Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough OL15 9AE
Wednesday 06 November 2024
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, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday 06 November 2024
Most Haunted Live
The acclaimed world no.1 paranormal show.
Most Haunted is the original and most successful worldwide paranormal investigation series ever made and premieres it’s spine-chilling theatre show in 2023/24.
Presented by Yvette Fielding, the first lady of the paranormal, together with Karl Beattie and the Most Haunted team, you will be taken on the darkest, most terrifying journey of your life.
You’ll be shaking in your seat as Yvette and the team present Most Haunted‘s all-time top 10 scares, complete with unseen video footage from haunted castles, manor houses, hospitals and prisons.
Most Haunted Live will take the theatrical experience to a whole new level as they take you back to the Victorian age of séance and Ouija board, inviting you to conduct your very own ghostly investigation.
In this show, no one is safe and seeing is believing!
From £28.50
7:30pm Doors open: 7:00pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Wednesday 06 November 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Cillian Hennessy cello (RNCM).
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
Wednesday 06 November 2024
Free Drama Workshops
Two Shires Drama is kicking off free drama workshops.
Ever been told you should give acting a try? Or maybe you're just someone who loves fiction and drama? Whether you've always wanted to be on stage or you’re just curious, this is your chance!
No pressure, no experience needed—just come along, have fun, and see where it takes you. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the stage.
Let’s make this unforgettable!
Our workshops offer:
Theatre games.
Drama skills.
Acting exercises that aim to build confidence, self-esteem and friendships.
These session are suitable for ages 16+ and run weekly.
Free
Phone: Jules Howliston 07909 505461
6pm
Caring and Sharing Community Hub, 78 Yorkshire Street, Town centre, Rochdale OL16 1JU
Thursday 07 November 2024
Syke Community Choir
This is a new weekly Choir session held every Thursday.
This is a fun social group, all you need is a mouth, no previous singing experience required , we all learn together.
£5
7pm - 8.30pm
Syke Community Base, 206 Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Thursday 07 November 2024
Syke Arts & Crafts morning
All are welcome to our Arts and Crafts weekly sessions.
We have lots of Crafty materials for you to be creative with.
£3.50
10am - 12pm
Syke Community Base, 206 Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Thursday 07 November 2024
Therapeutic Thursdays
Chat and meet new friends.
Arts and crafts.
Refreshments.
Support for long term health conditions and lifestyle changes.
Please note: Events run on the first Thursday of each month only, will start at an earlier time of 9.30am.
Free
Phone: Debby Gemmell 07757 673843
9.30am - 12pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number 1 Riverside, Smith Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Thursday 07 November 2024
Bi-Lingual Storytime
Come and listen to stories read in English and other languages such as Urdu, Arabic, French and Slovakian.
Afterwards, join in with crafts related to the story.
Alternating Thursdays and Saturdays.
Free and suitable for children 5 and under and their grown-ups.
Free
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
12pm to 1.30pm
Rochdale Library, Number 1 Riverside, Smith Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Friday 08 November 2024
The Nutcracker – Ballet Theatre UK
Experience the enchantment of Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece, The Nutcracker. Brought to life with lavish costumes and glittering sets by Ballet Theatre UK.
Join Clara and her heroic Nutcracker Prince as they encounter wondrous snowflakes, delightful dancing dolls, waltzing flowers, a magnificent Christmas tree that seemingly touches the heavens and, of course, the magical Sugar Plum Fairy.
Tchaikovsky’s hauntingly beautiful musical score intertwines with stunning choreography, creating a spell binding atmosphere of fantasy and illusion.
Ballet Theatre UK’s opulent new production aims to surpass your expectations and breathe new life into this traditional tale, it’s the perfect festive treat for all the family.
From £13.00
7:30pm Doors open: 6:45pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Friday 08 November 2024
Castleton Literary and Scientific Society
Rhymes for our Times.
A talk by Ian Aitchison, entertainer and Rochdale Observer contributor, who will recount his view of some funny goings-on in Rochdale in verse.
Annual Membership £25; Visitors welcome £3 per meeting
Phone: Barry Hobson 07724 135099
7pm.
St. Martin's Church, Vicarage Road North, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 2TE
Please note new venue due to reconstruction work at the Community Centre.
Thursday 07 November 2024 - Saturday 09 November 2024
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
Saturday 09 November 2024
MiddleTones 10 Year Anniversary Concert
Come and celebrate the 10 year anniversary of The MiddleTones live at Middleton Arena. Experience the electrifying energy of this talented 4-piece band hailing from Middleton. Their captivating performances transport you back to the iconic 90s Britpop/indie era with some older classics and modern anthems thrown in as well, as they flawlessly cover songs that defined a generation.
With impeccable vocals, tight instrumentals, and a contagious stage presence, they bring new life to beloved classics from bands like Oasis, James, The Stone Roses and many more!
Get ready to indulge in a wave of nostalgia and sing your heart out to the anthems that shaped an era. Don’t miss this musical journey with The Middletones!
From £15.00
7:30pm Doors open: 7.00pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
Comments