previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 20 NOVEMBER 2024
Fire starters - line-up revealed for Rochdale’s fire festival
Preview by Steve Cooke
More details have been revealed about the Ignite Fire Festival taking place in Rochdale town centre from Friday 22 to Sunday 24 November, leading up to the Christmas lights switch-on.
Ignite will be transforming the gardens opposite Rochdale Town Hall with three free night-time spectacular shows delivering a magical trail of fire, lights and entertainment for all the family.
Accompanying all the fiery displays, blazing sculptures and illuminated installations created by artists and pyrotechnicians from outdoor arts specialists Walk the Plank will be stunning live performances by some of the UK’s top talent. These include Flame Oz - the award-winning fire dance and pyrotechnic show that has already played over 1,000 audiences in over 40 countries. Travelling Light Circus will be returning with a mesmerising new multi-sensory fire show featuring jugglers, torch spinning and more. Liverpool’s Bring the Fire Project are promising a jaw dropping performance incorporating fire and dance, harnessing the beauty of danger into a symmetry of patterns.
Also landing in Rochdale will be Astro Aliens, a trio of quirky cosmic beings that children will love to watch. Juggler, circus performer and entertainer The Fire Man Dave will present his high impact show set to music, with unique combination of fire equipment. Making a welcome return after receiving a great reception last year are Drum Machine, a 20-strong drumming collective, who will bring their techno-infused beats to the party.
Rochdale’s Skylight Circus Arts will also be performing.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council said: “The amazing live performances were a hit with audiences last year and really brought the event to life so I’m excited to confirm we have even more acts on this line-up. Ignite is such an exciting and unique event, with something for all ages that really delivers the wow factor and it’s the perfect addition to our big switch-on.”
Ignite Fire Festival, sponsored by car supermarket The Trade Centre UK will be open to walk through from 5pm to 8pm each evening with the Christmas lights switch-on taking place on the Sunday. Dates and performance times for the live entertainment as well as other useful information to help plan your visit is at www.rochdale.gov.uk/christmas
There will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks available.
Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed will officially switch-on the lights from 5.30pm on Sunday 24 November in front of the town hall after the traditional countdown, whilst the Ignite Fire Festival continues until 8pm.
Mark Bailey, founder and owner of Trade Centre UK added: “Our partnership with Ignite Fire Festival and the Rochdale Christmas Lights Switch On is a fantastic opportunity to give back to a community that has welcomed us so warmly. Supporting events like this, which bring people together to celebrate in the heart of Rochdale, aligns perfectly with our core values of community and connection.”
Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op, a ‘Creative People and Places’ programme, funded by Arts Council England.
Two supremely talented performers from the RNCM visited Toad Lane Concerts
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Two supremely talented performers from the RNCM visited Toad Lane Concerts at St Mary in the Baum this week to give a sensational recital.
Prize-winning, Irish-born cellist Cillian Hennessy is based in Manchester and Northern Ireland and in his fourth year at the RNCM. He currently plays a Marc Lamberti cello on loan from the Musical Instrument Fund of Ireland. His orchestral experience includes the National Youth Orchestra of Ireland, the Ulster Youth Orchestra (Principal cello) and the orchestra for Northern Ireland Opera. He has also gained experience as a soloist and chamber musician.
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Fellow fourth year student, Chinese pianist Yiting Zhang started to play the piano at the age of four and soon took part in competitions in China, including coming second in the Hannover Gieseking International Piano Elite Competition. Last year she was Highly Commended for playing Saint-Saëns' Piano Concerto No. 5 in the RNCM competition.
Cillian opened with the JS Bach masterwork, Suite No. 1 in G for unaccompanied cello. The opening is well known, so it was great to hear the rest of the Baroque suite with its varied dance forms. Cillian’s masterful tone in the marvellous acoustic was rich and resonant.
He was joined by Yiting for the classical Seven Variations on a theme from Mozart's Magic Flute by Beethoven. Their duo work was superb with virtuoso performances from both players and excellent rapport between them.
Back to unaccompanied cello, Cillian moved into the Romantic period with admirable use of sustained double stopping and spread chords in the plaintive Caprice No. 2 "Andante Religioso" by Piatti. In contrast the twentieth century opening movement of the Spanish Suite by Cassado explored passionate and dramatic bowing, wide ranging dynamics and harmonics. A masterclass in cello technique.
The moving finale, with sensitive backing from Yiting, consisted of the Catalan carol, Song of the Birds, the signature piece of the legendary Pablo Casals. The expressive playing of such simple lines carried immense emotional power. The audience was transfixed.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade-1 listed building of St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Octagon’s acclaimed production of Shirley Valentine to jet off on a Lancashire tour in 2025
Preview by Steve Cooke
Mina Anwar reprises title role in Willy Russell’s iconic one-woman show The Octagon Theatre Bolton’s critically acclaimed 2020 production of Willy Russell’s beloved comedy, Shirley Valentine, is back and will embark on a Lancashire tour in spring 2025.
The tour will open in Bolton at the Octagon Theatre from Fri 7 February – Sat 8 March before visiting The Dukes, Lancaster (Wed 12 – Sat 22 March) and Blackpool Grand Theatre (Tue 1 – Sat 5 April).
Star of stage and screen, Mina Anwar in this beloved Northern comedy will be directed by the Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham.
From the writer of Blood Brothers and Educating Rita, Shirley Valentine is the critically acclaimed romantic comedy about a stuck-in-a-rut housewife who leaves her troubles (and husband) behind and seeks adventure on a holiday to Greece.
A heart-warming play of self-discovery, it transferred to the big screen in the 1989 Oscar nominated film starring Pauline Collins and Tom Conti.
With special permission from playwright Willy Russell, this version will be reset by Mina Anwar from its original setting of Liverpool to Accrington in Lancashire.
Mina Anwar’s credits include her breakthrough TV role as PC Maggie Habib in both seasons of BBC One’s sitcom The Thin Blue Line. She also originated the role of Ray in acclaimed musical Everybody’s Talking About Jamie at the Crucible Theatre, Sheffield and its West End transfer.
Other credits include Coronation Street, ITV, Shameless, Channel 4, The Sarah Jane Adventures, BBC, Doctor Who, BBC, Life of Pi, Sheffield Crucible Theatre, The Book Thief, DEM Productions, Spring and Port Wine, Octagon Theatre Bolton.
The creative team includes Lotte Wakeham (director); Su Newell (set and costume designer); James Blakeman (lighting designer); Gerry Marsden (sound designer); Mina Anwar (resetting) and Fraser Scott (assistant director).
Shirley Valentine director and Octagon Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham commented: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring Shirley Valentine back to audiences at the Octagon and across Lancashire in 2025. We had an overwhelming response and sellout performances when we opened a previous version of this production at Bolton’s Library Theatre in February 2020 for our ‘Out and About’ Season during our refurbishment, so we’re thrilled to now be bringing it our main auditorium at the Octagon, and then taking it out on tour to audiences throughout the region. I’m so grateful to Willy Russell for once again allowing us to reset the piece to Lancashire, to give it an even more local feel for our audiences. There’s also a brilliant new set design, and of course I’m also delighted to welcome Mina back - she brings such warmth, charm, humour and relatability to Shirley, and I’m excited for audiences to fall in love with this character all over again.”
Shirley Valentine opens at the Octagon Theatre Bolton from Fri 7 February – Sat 8 March before visiting The Dukes, Lancaster (Wed 12 – Sat 22 March) and Blackpool Grand Theatre (Tue 1 – Sat 5 April).
Tickets for all venues are on-sale now.
Find out more and book tickets by visiting the venue website or calling the box office.
Octagon Theatre Bolton 01204 520661 - octagonbolton.co.uk
The Dukes, Lancaster, 01524 598500, https://dukeslancaster.org/
Blackpool Grand Theatre, 01253 290190, https://www.blackpoolgrand.co.uk/
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 20 November 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Rebecca Entwistle - An Introduction to Focal Stacking, bring your camera.
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.
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 20 November 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have John Powell baritone (Cambridge University and BBC Singers), Elin Rees piano (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 20 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
Wednesday 20 November 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
Thursday 21 November 2024 - Saturday 23 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
Thursday 21 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 21 November 2024
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
Thursday 21 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 22 November 2024
Castleton Literary and Scientific Society
Concept of a Passive House.
A talk by Jim Race, Self Builder, who will recount his ideas and experiences of building to modern requirements and standards.
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.
Friday 22 November 2024
Barbara
Barbara and Bernard invite you, their esteemed guests, to an evening of a bygone era featuring music, polite conversation and exceptional hosting.
A warm and affectionate show with plenty of belly laughs and a good singsong, Barbara sensitively explores dementia, revealing what it means to care for someone you love when they lose their way.
Soundtracked by a plethora of tasteful tunes and with plenty of crumpets, join us for a captivating evening that's sure to warm your heart.
£8 tickets
8pm
Whitworth Library, Lloyd Street, Whitworth OL12 8AA
Friday 22 November 2024 - Sunday 24 November 2024
Ignite - Fire Festival
A free immersive experience for all ages, Ignite will feature bubbling goblets of fire and a daisy chain of flaming flowers, alongside sculptures that twist, flap or erupt with balls of fire.
Walking through the gardens visitors will also get to see a fire bird with blazing eyes, 2 smaller birds gently circling a flaming nest and other delights.
Look out for ‘In the Balance’ - a seemingly impossible counterbalance of steel and fire, with rotating globes of flame, one of the highlights of this year’s event.
Each evening, a fire drawing designed and made by local residents will be ignited alongside flaming hot performances from some of the north’s top talent including Flame Oz, Bring the Fire and Rochdale’s Skylight Circus Arts.
Street theatre and interactive arts group Travelling Light Circus who got a fantastic reception from the crowds last year will be returning too.
Also, back for 2024 is ‘Drum Machine’ – a 20 strong drumming collective, who’ll be bringing their techno infused beats to the event.
There will also be hot food, mulled wine and other seasonal drinks.
Free
4pm - 8pm
Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Saturday 23 November 2024 - Sunday 24 November 2024
Wizarding weekend - Alkrington Village Craft Market
Pop along and support your local small businesses and community.
With over 30 stalls we have a fantastic range of brilliant crafters selling their handmade and unique crafts not available on the high street.
Hot food and refreshments available.
We have free customer parking outside Alkrington Community Centre, plus additional parking outside Tesco Mainway Alkrington.
Everyone welcome, see you soon.
Free
Phone: Lee Yates 07807 457 703
11am - 4pm
Alkrington Community Centre, Hardfield Road, Alkrington, Middleton M24 1TQ
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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