previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 08 JANUARY 2025
Rochdale Town Hall tours
Preview by Steve
If you haven't already had the experience of visiting our refurbished Town Hall, I thoroughly recommend that you book a guided tour as soon as possible.
These fascinating tours are given by very knowledgeable volunteer guides.
Hear about the people who made Rochdale Town Hall, why it was built, the craftsmen responsible for its exquisite decoration and the building's uses over time.
The tour lasts for around one hour and will take place across the building including the historic rooms.
Booking required:
Guided tours: to be shown around a tour guides visit: https://www.rochdaletownhall.co.uk/events/event/13/rochdale-town-hall-tours
Guided group tours: for large group bookings of 15 people or more, please email hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
Cost: Guided tour tickets from £8
Time: 11:00 - 12:00
Or you can call in during opening times to explore the magnificence of Rochdale Town Hall independently for free - no booking required. Rochdale Town Hall opening times
Monday–Sunday: 10am–4pm
The Martlet Kitchen restaurant opening times
Monday-Saturday: 10am–4pm
Friday and Saturday evenings: 5.30pm–10pm
Sunday: closed
Contact: hello@rochdaletownhall.co.uk
If you can’t make it in person, then take the virtual tour: https://www.rochdaletownhall.co.uk/visit/virtual-tour-rochdale-town-hall
Step into the Exchange and experience it’s amazing architecture and decorative details. On the gothic grand staircase, view the bright and elaborate craftsmanship of the huge stained glass windows and soak in the atmosphere of the Great Hall, which has been used for gatherings and celebrations for well over a century. The virtual tour also gives a glimpse into the historic rooms of Rochdale Town Hall, which were previously closed off to the public.
Rochdale Town Hall is fully accessible, so lifts are available for visitors who want or need to use them.
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Mick Miller Live at Milnrow Cricket Club
Preview by Steve Cooke
Coming up in May at Milnrow Cricket Club a night of laughter with the legendary comedian Mick Miller!
Mick Miller has had a long and successful career stretching over 40 years.
He first came to prominence on the iconic ITV show The Comedians along with great British TV favourites Roy Walker and Stan Boardman. He also made guest appearances on 3, 2, 1, Seaside Special, and Blankety Blank (with his good friend Les Dawson). Live theatre tours and summer season shows followed.
In the 1980s Mick co-hosted his own Saturday evening show on ITV called The Funny Side along with Cheryl Baker and the late Mike Smith.
Since then, he has been in constant demand on the theatre circuit, working throughout the UK and in global venues.
Mick continues to be a favourite on cruises, and has had the pleasure of working with Cunard, Fred Olsen, P&O Cruises, Princess Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Saga, and many more.
Mick has used his comedy talent and timing to land several acting roles. He has appeared in IDEAL with Johnny Vegas, and Peter Kay's Car Share.
He fulfilled a lifetime ambition to work in Las Vegas when he was chosen to be part of the major ITV series Last Laugh in Vegas.
Mick now works regularly in comedy clubs and plays to young audiences. He is well respected by the younger generation of comedians.
From his beginnings as a shiny shoed, frilly shirted, bow tied comedian in a dinner suit to working in the coolest of comedy clubs, this goes to prove that old's cool.
Steve Rimmer is your Compere
Steve Rimmer is a Comedian from Hull who is a regular on the London Open Mic and pro scene. He started on the Comedy Circuit in January 2011 and as far as we know he is the UK’s only working Bomb Disposal Engineer Comedian. With his job he gets to travel the length and breadth of the country gigging whenever possible. His comedy style is suited to any part of a comedy night whether its opening, middle or closing, Steve has high energy and a cheeky charm, with a humor that has been compared to Kieth Lemon.
Steve spent 8 years serving in the British Army (not that he likes to bang on about it) where he honed his skills at entertaining his fellow Troops. He strongly believes that if he can make a bunch of tired and hungry Soldiers laugh in places like Afghanistan then he will have no problems in a Comedy Club.
Steve’s unique background has made him an interesting subject for TV/Radio/Podcast/Newspaper Interviews (links at the bottom of the page)
He is a regular MC at TNT in London’s Kentish Town and has also guest MC’d many other Open Mic/Pro Nights. He often organises Comedy Nights in his home town of Hull and is also a resident MC ofComedy @ The Terrace, a comedy club in Hull.
Steve has performed at many charity gigs especially “Help for Hero’s” a charity close to his heart.
Support - Nina Gilligan is an award-winning comedian known for her razor-sharp wit and vivacious stage presence. Described as a "bolshier Mrs Merton," she tackles contemporary issues with humour, including mental health. Gilligan has won multiple accolades, such as the Northwest Comedian of the Year 2023 and the Leicester Mercury Comedy Award 2021. Her shows, like "Goldfish," blend humour with poignant observations, making her a must-see performer on the UK comedy circuit.
Line up May Change.
This is an adult show, over 18's only.
20:00
Event lasts 3 hours
Saturday 31 May
19.30-22.30
Milnrow Cricket Club, Harbour Lane Milnrow OL16 4HF
RECOMMENDED
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
Thursday 09 January 2025 - Saturday 11 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
Thursday 09 January 2025
Littleborough Historical & Archaeological Society
Motorcycles by Keith Mellor
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 09 January 2025
Women In Touch Community Dance Group
We are a group of like-minded women who love to dance.
We welcome anyone who is interested in self-expression through creative movement in a relaxed and friendly environment.
Our free session are held most Thursday.
Please ring or text to check that each sessions is running as sometimes we might not have access to the hall.
Free
Phone: Jen Lowe 07739 836848 / 07593276278
7pm - 9pm
St George’s Church Hall, Bury Road, Rochdale OL11 4EB
Friday 10 January 2025
Castleton Literary and Scientific Society
Please note our return to this venue following renovation work.
Details: Book Evening.
Members are invited to read a short passage from a favourite book.
Annual Membership £25; Visitors welcome £3 per meeting
Phone: Barry Hobson 07724 135099
7pm.
Castleton Community Centre, Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Saturday 11 January 2025
Twist & Shout – A Journey Back to the Swinging 60s
An all-star cast from the West End deliver a musical powerhouse of a show that starts with the explosion of Brit Pop in 1962 through to the era of Flower Power and Free Love of the late sixties.
Return to a time when skirts got shorter and hair got longer as an incredible cast revive the hits of The Beatles, Herman’s Hermits, Gerry and the Pacemakers, The Rolling Stones, Cilla Black, Manfred Mann, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Sandy Shaw and many more.
Superb performances and beautiful, bespoke costumes return us to the sights and sounds of the Swinging Sixties. The non-stop, 40-song music feast includes She Loves You, Glad All Over, You’re My World, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Something Tells Me I’m Into Something Good, Shout, Ferry Cross The Mersey and so many more.
It’s said that “If you remember the Sixties, you weren’t really there”. Twist and Shout gives you the opportunity to discover what you missed!
From £24.00
7:30pm Doors open: 6:45pm
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.
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