previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 07 AUGUST 2024
A CONCERT PARTY AT TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Back in the day, a Concert Party meant a group of performers that gave variety concerts, which might even involve acrobats or jugglers. Today consisted of local musicians from talented novices to seasoned professionals (the jugglers being on holiday). This was a showcase of youth and experience from people connected to the concert series.
Chris Wilkinson is Head of Music & Performing Arts at Holy Family RC & CE College in Heywood, and has performed previously, as well as bringing his students to see the concerts. He played a charming clarinet solo before playing the piano accompaniments for one of his year 10 pupils Victoria Jones, who demonstrated excellent stage presence and a powerful voice beyond her years.
Callum Bisson was a former student of Holy Family, has just finished sixth form at Chetham’s School of Music and will start at the RNCM in September. He played an exciting and compelling Etude by Rachmaninov superbly, that promises much for the future.
The series director accompanied the rest of the concert. Two of his former pupils: Ashleigh Ho, a teaching assistant and swimming instructor sang her Grade 4 set pieces convincingly; and Isabella Despositos a Cambridge graduate who has worked at Cardinal Langley for a year and will begin a PGCE at Oxford in September, sang pieces from her ARSM diploma list with admirable purity of tone and breath control.
Finally, tenor Harold Sharples, who trained at the Royal Manchester College of Music at the same time as the director sang a set of songs. Harry began his professional career at Glyndebourne and went on to sing Principal Tenor with the D’Oyly Carte Opera Co (G&S) and Opera 80, and thence joined Opera North for a ‘short time’ and stayed for 30 years. His seasoned professionalism and exquisite vocal line was the icing on the cake.
In the true spirit of ‘Concert Party’ (minus the jugglers), much enjoyment was had by all, with something for everyone. A microcosm of the range of weekly concerts on offer at St Mary in the Baum, this was Number 1,097 since taking over from the council in 2001.
LAURIE ANDERSON’S ARK AT FACTORY INTERNATIONAL
Preview by Steve Cooke
Marking the end of the world in a momentous mix of music, cinematic imagery, songs and stories, ARK is a new live stage work, coming to Factory International, conceived by and featuring the legendary multi-media artist Laurie Anderson.
You may remember O Superman the track that launched Laurie Anderson’s recording career in 1980, rising to number two on the British pop charts and subsequently appearing on Big Science, the first of her seven albums on the Warner Brothers label.
Laurie Anderson since has become one of America’s most renowned – and daring – creative pioneers. Known primarily for her multimedia presentations, she has cast herself in roles as varied as visual artist, composer, poet, photographer, filmmaker, electronics whiz, vocalist, and instrumentalist.
Through her multimedia performances and poetic use of technology, she is one of the world’s most pioneering creative artists. As a writer, director, visual artist and composer, she’s created work that spans the worlds of art, theatre, film and music, receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2024 Grammys.
Her work has been presented all over the world with recent solo exhibitions in Stockholm, Montreal, Adelaide and at Washington D.C.’s iconic Smithsonian. Closer to home, Anderson presented To the Moon at MIF19 with Hsin-Chien Huang and in 2017, she broke ground at Aviva Studios.
Laurie Anderson was born in Chicago in June 1947, the same time and place that atomic scientists began the Doomsday clock’s countdown to the midnight of nuclear destruction.
Fast forward to our own time and the multiple countdowns that now engulf us. Climate collapse, environmental disaster, and the proliferation of artificial intelligence have all added to a sense of isolation and powerlessness as we retreat further online.
We’ve made the flood, but can we build an ark?
Deploying imagination and humour in the face of calamity, ARK throws fresh light on dark times to explore where we go from here.
In the early 1980s, Anderson created the unprecedented multimedia epic United States Parts 1–4. In 2024, the year of a momentous US election, she completes this work with ARK: United States Part 5.
12 - 24 Nov 2024
The Hall, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester M3 4JQ
Early Bird Pricing until 31 August: Previews £15
Tues - Thurs & Sun £35, £20 & £15
Fri & Sat £35, £25 & £15
Affordable: Concessions 50% Discount *excludes Previews, Aviva £10 Tickets
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 07 August 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Duncan Honeybourne piano (Royal Academy of Music & Birmingham Conservatoire) - A Thomas B Pitfield Celebration Concert
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 07 August 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Visit to Holy Trinity Church Oldham.
We meet every Wednesday at Rochdale Unitarian Church, starting at 7.30pm prompt (doors open from 7.15pm). The door is kept locked so please ring the bell on arrival.
If you would like to see the club for yourself and meet our members, you are welcome to attend as our guest for up to 3 weeks before committing to membership. Annual subscription is £36 for single or £46 for joint membership.
A weekly room fee of £2.50 is also payable on arrival at the meeting. Refreshments are 50p.
Visit the link below for a full 2024 syllabus.
£2.50 for room fee
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Thursday 08 August 2024
Littleborough Historical & Archaeological Society
A photographic journey to Rochdale in the 1960s to 1980s and a bit earlier.
Light refreshments are served on arrival and non-members are very welcome to attend.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 8.00pm (doors open at 7.30pm) in the fully accessible (via the station ramp) History Centre on Platform 2 of Littleborough Train Station.
Free parking is available locally within the town centre and nearby streets.
Members £2.50 and Non-members £3.50
Phone 01706 377685
Doors open 7.30pm, 8pm start
History Centre, Platform 2, Littleborough Railway Station, Railway Street, Littleborough OL15 8AF
Thursday 08 August 2024
The Festidale - Islamic Culture Takeover
Three exceptionally talented Muslim artists perform in the Den, our beautiful mobile theatre space for local communities and audiences in Rochdale.
As part of the Islamic Art and Culture programming presented by the Culture Co-op, we welcome you to an afternoon of Islamic arts and crafts drop-in activity followed by evening of food, uplifting poetry, song and percussion inspired by South Asian storytelling and rhythms.
Shahbaz Hussain is one of Europe’s finest tabla players and is based in his hometown of Rochdale.
Elmi Ali is a writer, director and facilitator based in Manchester. He writes poetry, short fiction and for the stage.
Aminah 786 writes about music and her various life experiences. Her artist name is 786AM and her debut single “Peace Train” is an entirely “Made In Manchester” record.
Come along any time from 3pm for the arts activity (no need to book)
Please book a ticket to a reserve a seat for the food from 6pm and the evening’s entertainment from 7pm!
The Culture Co-op are a new network of artists, cultural organisations, and local residents across Rochdale Borough. They support communities to decide what counts as art and culture, where it happens, who makes it, and who experiences it.
The FestiDale is part of Local Exchange, the Royal Exchange Theatre’s ambitious long-term programme co-curated with ambassadors and champions in communities across Greater Manchester.
Pay What You Can
from 3pm
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale OL16 4XA
Friday 09 August 2024
Feel Good Fringe: Gary Delaney & guests
Get ready to kick off your weekend with laughter and good vibes as the hilarious Gary Delaney takes the stage for "Feeling Good with Gary Delaney." Join Gary and special guests for a fun-packed night guaranteed to leave you feeling uplifted and ready for the weekend ahead. Get your tickets now for an evening of laughter and feel-good moments!
Dave Twentyman
Dave very much wears his heart on his sleeve in a show described by audiences as brilliantly moving, heartwarming, honest but most importantly hilarious.
"Dave's lived experience of ADHD is the source of his creativity and lightning quick humour. A hilarious and moving account of genius minds in a mundane world" ADHD FOUNDATION
Steve Shanyaski
Steve transitioned from a mundane office job to a career in comedy at the start of 2003 and has been thriving ever since.
Steve is known for his charismatic and humorous performances, drawing on his natural storytelling abilities, creative imagination, and musical background to captivate audiences.
Shazia Mirza
Shazia has appeared on The Jonathan Ross Show, Would I lie to You? QI, Meet The Richardsons, Celebrity MasterMind, Loose Women,
The Late Late Show, Top Gear, Graham Norton Show, The Apprentice You're Fired,
She was also the star of Celebrity The Island- Bear Grylls and is in the new upcoming series of 'Celebrity MasterChef' starts July BBC1. Shazia has been nominated as one of the 50 funniest comedians of the 21st Century in The Telegraph.
From £18
Phone: Richard Attwood 07720 849866
Doors open 7pm Show starts 8.30pm
Champness Hall, Drake Street, Rochdale OL16 1NZ
Friday 09 August 2024
The Festidale - Circus for All
Have A-Go Workshop with Skylight Circus Arts
Discover your hidden talents with Skylight Circus Arts!
Skylight’s circus team will amaze you with their circus skills while helping you master juggling, plate-spinning, diabolo and more.
Skylight Circus specialise in circus sessions for children and adults with disabilities and additional needs.
This workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to have a go!
To make a day of it, check out Bridgewater Hall’s Be Hear Now session earlier in the day!
The FestiDale is part of Local Exchange, the Royal Exchange Theatre’s ambitious long-term programme co-curated with ambassadors and champions in communities across Greater Manchester.
Friday 09 August 2024
The Festidale - Be Hear Now
Be Hear Now in the Community is a series of musical discovery sessions for people with learning disabilities.
Organised by The Bridgewater Hall and led by workshop leaders Beth Bishop, Alice Phelps, and Debbie Bandara, participants of all ages can enjoy exploring music, creativity and movement together, inspired by performances from Live Music Now’s professional music ensembles.
Over the past 6 months we’ve been working with service users from PossAbilities Day Centre in Rochdale, and we can’t wait to showcase the amazing work we’ve created together at The Den! Get ready for a wonderful performance from PossAbilities.
To make a day of it, check out Skylight Circus’s Circus for All session earlier in the day!
The FestiDale is part of Local Exchange, the Royal Exchange Theatre’s ambitious long-term programme co-curated with ambassadors and champions in communities across Greater Manchester.
Pay What You Can
11.30am
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale OL16 4XA
2pm - 4.30pm
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale, OL16 4XA
Friday 09 August 2024
The Festidale - Coconut
A joyful participatory performance that explores the Global Majority experience of being 'othered', in the UK.
We invite you to join us for this talk-show-style performance, come along and hear a conversation between global majority Rochdale residents about their shared experiences led by theatre practitioner/facilitator Ria Phatarphekar-Karmarkar.
The show will be followed by chats and nibbles, giving everyone time to reflect on this brilliantly unique, interactive production.
The FestiDale is part of Local Exchange, the Royal Exchange Theatre’s ambitious long-term programme co-curated with ambassadors and champions in communities across Greater Manchester.
Pay What You Can
6.30pm
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale OL16 4XA
Saturday 10 August 2024
Rochdale Feel Good Festival 2024
There will be live music across indoor venues, a main outdoor stage, an extended food and drink village and other entertainment for Rochdale Feel Good Festival 2024.
Opening times:
Festival start time: 11.30am
Main stage gates open: 12.30pm
Main stage performances: 1pm
Main stage finish time: 10.45pm
Performers include headliners Ocean Colour Scene, Lottery Winners, Heather Small, Madame Claude.
Also on the main stage Toucan, Madame Claude, iamkyami, Atlas and Dave Sweetmore (DJ).
Great food and drink is always a big part of the festival.
£15 each, excluding 5 per cent booking fee.
11.30am
Rochdale Town Hall Square, Main stage, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Saturday 10 August 2024
The Festidale - From Fragments to Fiction
Actor and writer of Evening Conversations, Sudha Bhuchar
In this workshop, Sudha will share her practice of using verbatim testimonies and everyday conversations as seeds of inspiration for works like Evening Conversations. Through practical exercises, participants will experience how to access collective memory and spontaneous dialogue, shaping into short scenes and monologues.
There will also be space for conversation and a Q&A about Sudha’s other work, touching on how truthful, political and stirring work can start from these seemingly small beginnings – the extraordinary in the everyday.
The FestiDale is part of Local Exchange, the Royal Exchange Theatre’s ambitious long-term programme co-curated with ambassadors and champions in communities across Greater Manchester.
Pay What You Can
5pm
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale OL16 4XA
Saturday 10 August 2024
The Festidale - Evening Conversations
'Full of truth and beauty…. really brave!” Riz Ahmed
Evening Conversations is presented by Bhuchar Boulevard and is written and performed by Sudha Bhuchar, directed by Kristine Landon-Smith and with music by the award-winning Arun Ghosh.
Middle-class, middle-aged, multicultural mother of millennial sons, Sudha invites her Indo/Pakistani, fiercely British boys to ‘crack open a cold one’ and share their views on life.
“You’re the one with the identity crisis mum, not us!”
Evening Conversations has wide intergenerational appeal and has engaged many diverse audiences across the country, including the Soho Theatre! This joyful monologue invites you to carry on the conversation after…
Pay What You Can
7.30pm
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale OL16 4XA
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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