previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 11 DECEMBER 2024
SPEND SPEND SPEND AT THE ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE
Review by Eileen Earnshaw
It’s always a pleasure to visit the Royal Exchange. There is such an ease in the journey from tram, the short walk, the lighted entrance and the welcome from the attentive staff.
To be privileged to see a musical loke Spend, Spend, Spend was a joy.
This production, directed by Josh Seymour, choreographed by Lucy Hind and designed by Grace Smart.
Spend, Spend, Spend is a collaboration between Steve Brown, (book, lyrics, and music) and Justin Green (book, lyrics) inspired by the life of Viv Nicholson and her autobiography in association with Stephen Smith.
Its debut was at the Leeds Theatre from where it progressed to a long and very successful run in the West End.
The work is placed in the era of post WW2 Britain which was economically on its knees due to the expense of war with Germany. Viv lived in a Yorkshire mining community, her father spent what the family had in the pub, he was a bully, a misogynistic man. Viv escaped by marrying the first man who came along. This led to the first of her five divorces but happiness with Keith her second husband who sadly died in a car crash. He was her second and, in her opinion, her only true husband. Into this sad and poverty-stricken place, Viv Nicholson won an incredible amount of money on the pools.
She was young, very beautiful, very rich and as far as money was concerned naïve. She was a gift to the newspapers, her lifestyle a fascination to everyone, pursued and reported on in every aspect of her life from the pink Cadillac to what she had for breakfast. She was the first of people to be media hunted but without the knowledge we have today of the damage the media can cause to the lives of celebrities.
The performance is in the round, the format with the ‘older Viv’ and narrator is sung by Rachel Leskovac who incidentally played the ‘young Viv’ in 1999 in the West End production opposite Barbara Dickson as the ‘older Viv’ and narrator.
The ‘Young Viv’ is sung wonderfully by Rose Galbraith, and we watch through the eyes of the narrator, the highs and lows of the life of this luckiest, saddest person in the world.
Eventually Viv returned to Yorkshire. She joined the church of the Jehovah Witness and died in 2015 at the age of 79.
On until 11 January 2025
Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH
Nina Savicevic makes the most of the heritage 1935 Challen Grand piano in the resonant acoustic of St Mary in the Baum.
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Born in Exeter in 2001 of Croatian Serbian descent, Nina Savicevic began her studies at St Petersburg's Rimsky Korsakov Conservatoire, giving her first concert after three months. In 2013 she was awarded a full scholarship to Wells Cathedral School where she gained success in various national and international competitions. From 2019 she held several scholarships and awards at the RNCM and gained bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
Nina often performs across the UK and abroad, has also performed on BBC Radio and enjoyed eminent masterclasses.
Nina is also the founding artistic director of Topsham Music Festival from 2023 and teaches piano in Leeds and Manchester and also a busy private practice. She looks forward to making her debut with the St John’s Festival Orchestra, with Beethoven’s Piano Concerto no 2 in June 2025.
The sublime Prelude in Eb minor and its noble companion Fugue in D# minor (BWV 853) by JS Bach were impressive curtain raisers. Nina has a compelling presence at the keyboard.
Beethoven’s Sonata no 18 in Eb major “The Hunt”, was bright and rustic as its name suggests, with some excellent playing and memory work in the varied rhythmic movements.
Schubert’s Impromptu no 3 G flat major, Op 90 was a great contrast with its swirling accompaniments and strong melodic lines. But it was Chopin who won the day with a pensive Nocturne in C Sharp minor no 2, and a dramatic Ballade no 2 in F major op 38 with its colourful virtuoso passages.
The whole recital made the most of the heritage 1935 Challen Grand piano in the resonant acoustic of St Mary in the Baum.
This was concert number 1,115 since taking over from the council in 2001. The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday 12:30 – 13:30 at the Grade 1 Listed St Mary in the Baum Church, Rochdale OL16 1DZ, admission £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Join Oldham Coliseum for The Engagement Party of a lifetime with their brand new production!
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Engagement Party (Tue 18 – Sat 22 Feb 2025), is a specially commissioned new production by up-and-coming Greater Manchester playwright afshan d'souza-lodhi set in, and inspired by, Oldham.
Meet nature loving lad and foodie, Zack, and Sofia, a passionate lass who loves the bright lights of the big city with her vegan burger. They first crossed paths in the unlikely location of a chicken shop in Oldham. As their relationship flourishes, so do their differences. Guests start to gather for their engagement and the couple are nowhere to be seen, tensions rise, and the crowd becomes restless. The live band and entertainment have to play on regardless! Will a heated showdown between friends and family lead to disaster?! Can love conquer all, or will their differences in diets and ambitions stop the promise of their love for the future?
Audiences will be greeted by the hosts of the party, a group of Elders who are supporting the happy couple, when they arrive in the space before being seated at tables as the performance unfolds around them. Featuring live music and special performances, this entertaining and immersive production will feature a talented professional cast joined by a Community Company. The Engagement Party will be filled with laughter, love, and the vibrant spirit of Oldham, celebrating us all.
The creative team includes Oldham writer Jake Talbot as script support, Designer Emma Williams and Musical Director Sam Davies (see notes to editor for full creative team). Full casting for the production will be announced soon.
Creative Director for the show Amanda Huxtable comments: “I’m very proud to be the Creative Director of The Engagement Party by afshan d'souza lodhi, the brand new and latest production from Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd. It's a big production and we are all going for it! It’s made with love in mind and all the heartache, questions and unity it can bring. Me and the team, including our talented cast joined by a special community cast, can't wait for audiences to join in the fun and celebrations very soon.”
The production has been made with, for and by people in Oldham and Greater Manchester and the theatre is looking for people to be part of the Community Company that will perform in the show. For more information on how to get involved visit coliseum.org.uk/get-involved. As well as opportunities to perform, 20% of the tickets will be distributed via local community groups.
Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd is a charity, which since the closure of its Fairbottom Street base in 2023 has been producing and presenting a programme of theatre and creative opportunities for local people, including the popular Khushi Festival, a celebration of South Asian arts, and Culture and Chips, which brings together the local community to talk about arts and culture in their town. The Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd’s programme is supported by Oldham Council, Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority.
Chair of the Board of Oldham Coliseum Theatre Ltd Martina Murphy comments “We’re delighted to be producing new work and working with exciting theatre makers in Oldham. The Engagement Party is a special moment for us on our producing journey and we are thrilled to be working with the brilliantly talented Amanda Huxtable as the Creative Director. We’ve commissioned afshan d'souza lodhi, a writer from Greater Manchester, to create something truly special that reflects our dedication to offering opportunities to northern and working class voices; this is reflected in our creative team and our dedication to training, development and community engagement which is built into everything we do. We’ve been on a truly transformational journey as an organisation and we couldn’t do it without the genuine love and commitment of our audiences, our team, and our board. It’s a privilege to work with such invested partners and funders, who’ve ensured producing theatre thrives in Oldham for years to come. Thank you to Oldham Council, Arts Council England and Greater Manchester Combined Authority for keeping theatre in Oldham alive."
The Engagement Party will run for seven performances from Tuesday 18 until Saturday 22 February 2025 at the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Oldham. Tickets are now on sale with Pay What You Choose options including prices starting from £10. The production is recommended for everyone aged 9 and over.
Pay What You Choose
Tickets are priced from £10-£25
We’d like everyone who wants to experience an Oldham Coliseum show to be able to. To help with this, we have flexible Pay What You Choose pricing for our Spring 2025 shows
This includes an Open Concession which is not restricted by day of the week, and open to everyone who needs it.
How does it work?
On Pay What You Choose events, when you checkout, you’ll be given a choice of 3 different prices:
Open Concession – If you don’t have the cash right now, don’t worry; book this rate and let us welcome you with open arms, no questions asked.
Standard – If you can afford to, please book this rate; the extra money you give will support Oldham Coliseum's future and help support the artists we work with.
Pay It Forward – If you’re feeling generous and you have the means, please consider choosing this rate. Each Pay It Forward ticket subsidises tickets for communities who will not be able to attend otherwise.
All you have to do is select the price bracket that best suits your budget and continue to checkout.
Box Office booking information
Tickets can be booked online, for any ticket enquiries please contact boxoffice@coliseum.org.uk
Visit: https://www.coliseum.org.uk/
Queen Elizabeth Hall
Address: West St, Oldham OL1 1QJ
Venue information
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is fully accessible. Wheelchairs can be accommodated; please let us know in advance should you require wheelchair access by emailing boxoffice@coliseum.org.uk. Free tickets are available for Personal Assistants/Access Companions. Assistance dogs are welcome. BSL interpreted and relaxed performances are available for specific dates, please refer to the programme advertisement.
Access guidance for The Queen Elizabeth Hall:
Standing and Queuing
Seating available in the foyer and waiting areas, you can make it known to the staff on the door on arrival and we can allow entry into the foyer early.
Level Access
The venue has two dedicated disabled parking bays and drop off area outside the venue less than 20 meters away
It is level flat access from the carpark to the foyer with a large lift to the main hall which is a flat floor.
Users get 3hrs free parking on the carpark but must show and set clock and badge
Accessible toilets available on main hall level.
For more information and tickets visit coliseum.org.uk.
RECOMMENDED
Until Saturday 14 December 2024
Gallery Exhibitions: Littleborough Art Society. Elizabeth White.
Littleborough Art Society. Elizabeth White.
Exhibitions are generally mounted in the Heritage Room and Victoria Room gallery spaces and each lasts for approximately one month, with a week's gap to allow for artist changeover.
Most items on display are available to purchase.
Visit https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/littleborough-coach-house/gallery-ex... for a full 2024 programme of Gallery Exhibitions.
Free
Phone: Littleborough Coach House 01706 378481
Monday to Saturday 10am - 3pm
Littleborough Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough OL15 9AE
Until Sunday 15 December 2024
Dick Whittington
Set out for an adventure with Dick Whittington as he travels to seek his fortune on the glittering streets of London.
Joined by Sarah the Cook, Tommy the Cat and a whole host of pantomime characters, will Dick seize his destiny and rescue London from the clutches of the wicked Queen Rat?
Filled with catchy songs, colourful costumes and hilarious comedy, Dick Whittington is the perfect Panto for all the family.
Performance times:
Wednesday 11 December, 7pm
Friday 13 December, 7pm
Saturday 14 December, 1pm and 6pm
Sunday 15 December, 1pm and 6pm
Entry fee: From £18. Family tickets available.
Phone: Mark Rosenthal 07769 937008
The Curtain Theatre, Milkstone Road, Rochdale OL11 1EB
Wednesday 11 December 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Development Evening.
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 https://www.rochdaleps.org.uk/syllabus 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
Wednesday 11 December 2024
Rochdale Antiques Society - Victoria Baths in Manchester - E Sibbering
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 11 December 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have More than Melody - Ken Greaves conductor Brian Milligan 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
Wednesday 11 December 2024
Art Group
Interested in art?
Why not come along and meet like-minded individuals, meeting each week to paint, draw, watch demos, etc.
Bring along your own artwork and join us. We are a very friendly group .
We are beginners up to very experienced artists who enjoy the sociability of meeting up and helping each other.
All abilities welcome.
Weekly programme of topics and events.
£1.00 weekly subs
Phone: Veronica Swinden 01706 640567
Visit: http://rochdaleartists.com
10.45am to 12.45pm
Castleton Library and Community Centre, 604 Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Friday 13 December 2024
Castleton Literary and Scientific Society
The Magic of Musicals.
A talk by Marylin Shalks, Author, who will give some insight into the ever popular world of Musical Theatre.
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.
Saturday 14 December 2024
Your Own Natural Christmas Decorations
Join us at this free event and get in the crafting Christmas spirit!
Make stars and mini Christmas trees from sticks. Decorate your crafts with cinnamon sticks, dried oranges and ribbons.
The stars and trees will be crafted using wire, which can be recycled in the future, making it both festive and eco-friendly!
Meet under the clock tower at the Town Hall.
Free
Phone: Rachel Ford
11am - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Saturday 14 December 2024
Wild Hearts Exhibition Preview
Join us in our heritage mill for the preview of a new exhibition by local photographer and Ebor Studio member Esther Towler.
With an underlying message of conservation drawing attention to the ecology of our wild landscapes, this exhibition has a potent relevance to our changing world.
2pm
Ebor Studios, William Street, Littleborough, Rochdale OL15 8JP
Saturday 14 December 2024
Winter crafty drop-in
11am - 2pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number one Riverside, Smith Street, Town centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Rochdale Pioneers Museum are collaborating with Rochdale Central Library to bring you a fun and super crafty drop-in session.
Make your own Christmas decorations to take home.
No booking required.
You may need to wait if we are busy!
Free
Phone: Caitlin Shentall 01706 524920
Saturday 14 December 2024 - Sunday 15 December 2024
Riverside Christmas Market
The countdown is on to Christmas in Santa's favourite town centre and this year the inaugural Rochdale's Christmas Market is taking place at Rochdale Riverside. The market is brought to you by Rochdale Town Centre BID, and it will feature over 30 seasonal stalls to make sure that everyone gets their Christmas wrapped before the big day.
Whether you're seeking unique gifts, looking to savour street food, or simply want to soak up the seasonal vibes, the Christmas Market promises something for everyone.
The organisers look forward to welcoming attendees and their loved ones to the event, hoping to make this Christmas a season to remember
Live music will add to the festive atmosphere.
Free
10am - 4pm
Riverside Retail & Leisure Complex, Riverside Walk, Rochdale OL16 1TR
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.