previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 19 FEBRUARY 2025
Octagon Theatre present Patrick Barlow’s adaptation of The 39 Steps hilarious adaptation of Hitchcock’s iconic thriller
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Octagon Theatre announces full cast for Patrick Barlow’s stage adaptation of John Buchan’s novel
An opportunity to experience the mystery of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic spy thriller, The 39 Steps, in Patrick Barlow’s brilliantly hilarious stage adaptation.
This Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy is back on a UK tour after a phenomenal 10-year run in London’s West End. Follow the dashing Richard Hannay as he embarks on a thrilling adventure filled with daring antics, romantic encounters and ghastly murders. Get set for a whirlwind of suspense taking you from the bustling streets of London to the remote Scottish Highlands, as four talented actors play over 150 characters. Don’t miss this exhilarating escapade that will have you laughing, gasping, and cheering for more!
The full cast includes Danielle Bird plays Clown 1. Her theatre credits include The Company of Wolves, Astley’s Astounding Adventures, Beauty and the Beast, The Prince and The Pauper (The New Vic Theatre), The Princess and The Pea (The New Victory, Upswing, Unicorn Theatre, York Theatre Royal), A Pretty Sh*tty Love (Theatre Clwyd), The Comedy Of Errors (Mercury Theatre Colchester, Storyhouse Theatre), Charlie & Stan Tour (UK tour), The Worst Witch (Vaudeville Theatre), Aladdin (Theatre Royal Wakefield), The Hypocrite (Hull Truck Theatre, RSC), Macbeth (Shakespeare’s Globe), Not Moses (Arts Theatre), The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe (Birmingham Rep), Comedy of Errors, Macbeth, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Othello, Cyrano De Bergerac (Grosvenor Open Air Theatre), Father Christmas and The Icicle Bicycle, Tea Time (Oxford Playhouse), The Prince and The Pauper (Unicorn Theatre), Colin Hoult’s Real Horror Show (Leicester Square Theatre) and No Ball Games (New Wolsey Theatre). Her television credits include, Hapless, The Investigator, The Wives Did It and The Double Life of Morton Coyle; and for film, her credits include Now You See Me 2 Mei Mei Macleod plays Annabelle/ Pamela/ Margaret. Her theatre credits include Miss Julie (Hong Kong Arts Festival), A Playlist for the Revolution (Bush Theatre), Titus Andronicus(Shakespeare’s Globe) and How To Save a Rock (English Touring Theatre). Her television credits include Grantchester. Mateo Oxley plays Richard Hannay. His theatre credits include The Importance of Being Earnest (Mercury Theatre Colchester), Much Ado About Nothing, Angels In America, Three Days In The Country (National Theatre), Burn it Down: I Want to Live (Theatre Royal Stratford East), The Librarian (Arena Theatre), The Busy World is Hushed (Finborough Theatre), The Drowned Man: A Hollywood Fable (Punchdrunk), Scenes From 68 Years (Arcola Theatre), Paper Cuts (Bloom Theatre), Target Man, Shock Treatment (King’s Head Theatre), California Suite, Alice: The Musical (The Other Palace), Way To Heaven (Chiswick Playhouse), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Cambridge Arts Theatre) and SYP (Soho Theatre). Television credits include The Windsors, The Windsors: Coronation Special, Magpie and Spy Wars. Phil Yarrow plays Clown 2. His theatre credits include How The Giraffe Got Its Neck (Salisbury Playhouse), Peter Pan Goes Wrong (Duchess Theatre, UK tour), Crackers (Polka Theatre), Room on the Broom (Lyric Theatre), Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense (Frinton Summer Theatre), and Bouncers and Round The Garden (Worcester Theatres).
The creative team includes Director: Ryan McBryde; Designer: Libby Todd; Lighting Designer: Simisola Majekodunmi; Sound Designer: Tom Marshall; Fight Director: Kaitlin
Howard; Casting Consultant: Olivia Barr; Assistant Director: Fiona Munro.
The 39 Steps plays at the Octagon Theatre Bolton Wed 16 April – Sat 10 May.
Tickets start from £15 and are on-sale now.
Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South
Bolton BL1 1SB
01204 520661
Find out more and book tickets via the Octagon Box Office on 01204 520661 or at
A Pair of Harpists at TLC!
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
To hear a solo concert harp live is a rare thing. To hear a pair of them is extraordinary. These two first rate musicians have made several appearances at Toad Lane Concerts since they formed their duo as students at the RNCM. They acknowledged that the acoustics in St Mary in the Baum Church are ideal, allowing a full range of playing to project beautifully.
Alice Roberts (pictured above right) graduated first-class from the joint course of Manchester University (where she gained awards for the highest mark in 2016 and 2018) and the RNCM (where in 2020 she became the first harpist to win the Gold Medal).
Soloist and teacher Kathryn Mason similarly gained a first-class BMus and a master’s from the RNCM. Both are now freelancers and play solo and with a wide range of ensembles in assorted styles and genres. Variety certainly is the spice of their lives.
They began with two of their own arrangements: Einaudi’s I Giorni and the premiere of Kitty Macgennis by Turlough O’Carolan. Their fluent symbiotic playing relationship seems to create a double harp.
Kathryn took the first solo, Tickled Pink by Savourna Stevenson - before the seamless working together of pieces by Ailie Robertson and Monika Stadler’ in their unique duo sound.
Alice’s solo was her own transcription of Dido’s Lament by Henry Purcell which, being Baroque, was a stunning contrast. The repeated bass pattern throughout is a descending chromatic scale, which requires skilful manoeuvring of the foot pedals as well as playing a melody with accompaniment – fantastic.
‘John R’ by Dorothy Ashby was interesting as the duo’s name ‘Rascallity’ (and spelling) came from a famous number by this ground-breaking American jazz harpist of the 1960s: very exciting complete with drumming and slaps on the instruments.
An atmospheric arrangement of the modern folk hit, Black Is the Colour arranged by Alice ended with a touch of swing. This took us into her arrangement of the well-known ‘Caravan’ by Duke Ellington and Juan Tizol, a real toe-tapping slinky finale number.
One harp is heavenly, two divine - a celestial duo indeed.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Following hugely successful runs in London and internationally, Kim’s Convenience is coming to HOME.
Preview by Steve Cooke
This global smash hit, starring James Yi from the original Netflix series, is more than just a comedy - it’s a deeply moving and laugh-out-loud celebration of family, resilience, and the immigrant experience.
Written by Ins Choi as a ‘love letter to his parents and to all first-generation immigrants who now call Canada their home', Kim’s Convenience captures the struggles, sacrifices, and love that bind families together across generations. Whether you see your own family reflected in the characters or experience a story that expands your world, you’ll leave the theatre uplifted, nostalgic, and maybe even a little teary-eyed.
Don’t miss this heartwarming hit that inspired the beloved Netflix series!
Tickets from £25 - A non-refundable booking fee of £1.20 per ticket applies to bookings
Box Office: 0161 200 1500
75 Minutes – no interval
2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 19 February 2025
QUEENZ – Drag Me to the Disco
Queenz are back with a brand new show.
Join the gals for an electrifying, live vocal, drag-stravaganza, where Dancing Queenz and Disco Dreams collide for the party of a lifetime.
After two trailblazing years of touring the country, a run in London’s West End, and accumulating countless 5-star reviews, Queenz has rapidly ascended as one of the world’s most successful drag shows.
Featuring more sequins and surprises than ever before, the gals are ready to drag you to the dancefloor and serve up the ultimate celebration of powerhouse popstars & dazzling disco divas.
From £26
7:30pm Doors open: 6:45pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Model Rahel (Steam Punk Themed).
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.
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 19 February 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
Duncan Reid violin (Manchester University & RNCM)
Jonathan Ellis piano (Manchester University & 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 19 February 2025 - Saturday 22 February 2025
Jack & the Beanstalk
St Gabriel's ADMS annual pantomime.
Fun for all the family.
Singing, dancing and lots of slapstick fun.
£8 Adults £5 Concessions - OAP and under 18
Phone: Anne Ingham 07745 456229
7.15pm each evening & Sat Matinee @ 2.15pm
St Gabriel's RC Primary School, Vicarage Road North, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 2TN
Thursday 20 February 2025 - Saturday 22 February 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
Friday 21 February 2025
The World Famous Elvis Show starring world renowned Chris Connor
OFFICIALLY breaking theatre box office records.
Voted by the first ever worldwide Elvis Presley fan poll as – The greatest Elvis Tribute in the World ! – awarded in Memphis.
A magnificent theatre production, Starring and produced by world renowned Elvis performer CHRIS CONNOR.
With his 12 piece live band & backing vocals by ‘The Sweet Harmonies’.
This show respectively and authentically recreates ELVIS at his very best recreating 2 concerts! – selling out in all theatres.
You will simply feel that you have been transported back in to time
This show is made by Elvis fans for Elvis fans. You seriously do not want to miss this electric show!”.
From £29.50
7:30pm Doors open: 6:45pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Saturday 22 February 2025
Hebden Bridge Brass Band Concert
Come and enjoy an evening with music from a fabulous Brass Band.
You're sure to have a lovely evening of entertainment.
£10.00 includes refreshments
Phone: Doreen or Eddie 01706 638262
7:30pm
St Clement's Church, Willbutts Lane, Spotland, Rochdale OL11 5BE
Saturday 22 February 2025
Paul Hale Organ Concert
Paul Hale, concert organist will be performing a varied programme of music on the magnificent 1913 J. J. Binns organ in the main hall in Rochdale Town Hall.
Online booking available at the link below (a small booking fee applies).
Standard £10, Concessions £8
Phone: Barrie Brailsford 01706 343163
3pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
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