previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 26 MARCH 2025
Cantare and Friends in Concert
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Cantare Ladies Choir was originally founded in 1982 as the Debrose Choir. In 2009, they changed their name to Cantare.
The choir includes women of all ages and from all walks of life – no superstars, just people who love to sing and who want to do it well. The repertoire is exciting and wide ranging, from pop standards and songs from the shows to classical and contemporary choral pieces. Cantare certainly enjoy a challenge and make a great sound whilst have a brilliant time together.
They perform regularly at very well received concerts and other events throughout the year.
If you would like to join Cantare [they rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30 at Norden Methodist Church] please contact Jackie Holt at jackieholt810@live.co.uk or you can just turn up and give it a try. You will be made very welcome (and there are no auditions).
Choir members pay a weekly subscription to cover costs (e.g. for sheet music, room hire, and musical director and accompanist fees). However, for new members, the subscription is waived for the first few weeks until you decide that you wish to join.
Their next event will be Cantare and Friends the Bury Acapeelers] in concert
The Bury Acapeelers are an a cappella singing group (voice only) formed in March 2009 who sing for the sheer love of singing, for the joy that it brings as individuals and for the delight that it gives to audiences.
The name Acapeelers comes from a mash up of Acapella (the type of singing we do) and a reference to Sir Robert Peel – the famous “son of Bury”.
This promises a relaxed evening of song with Cantare, and special guests, the Bury Acapeelers. Tickets include tea (or coffee) and a slice of delicious cake.
Tickets – £10, including refreshments – available on the door, or via https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/cantare-and-friends-in-concert-tickets-1264437118459?aff=oddtdtcreator
Thursday, 3rd April 7.30pm
Norden Methodist Church, Edenfield Road, Rochdale, OL12 7QE
Two new co-productions from Royal Exchange Theatre
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Royal Exchange Theatre are collaborating with their friends over at Factory International on a powerful new play, LIBERATION by Ntombizodwa Nyoni, which forms part of the 2025 Manchester International Festival. They are also joining forces with Sheffield Theatres for a brand-new co-producing partnership, that will deliver a new production of Brian Friel's multi-award-winning play DANCING AT LUGHNASA.
Commissioned by the Royal Exchange Theatre, receiving it’s World Premier, LIBERATION is a brand-new play by poet and playwright Ntombizodwa Nyoni (The Darkest Part of the Night, Kiln Theatre) and directed by Monique Touko (G, Royal Court).
It’s 15 October 1945, Manchester. Africa's freedom and future is in the hands of her descendants at the fifth Pan-African Congress. This powerful new play is inspired by true events in Black British history and traces the private lives of activists who fought to liberate Africa and explores why their story remains relevant in 2025.
This ground-breaking new play, developed 80 years after the Congress introduces the people behind the movement. With generational shifts and gender politics added to a swirling mix of power dynamics, LIBERATION asks timeless questions about revolution, freedom, and what it means to be an activist.
Brian Friel’s multi-award-winning drama DANCING AT LUGHNASA runs at the Exchange from 11 Oct - 8 Nov, this is a powerful and moving exploration of reflection, memory and how the future will arrive no matter how much we resist.
On the outskirts of Ballybeg, County Donegal, the five Mundy sisters’ lives are bound by responsibilities and social expectations. When influences from a wider, more modern world creep into their home, the sisters are swept along in a sea of change and suddenly the life they know is gone for good.
Co-produced with Sheffield Theatres, this highly acclaimed play will be brought to life by Artistic Director Elizabeth Newman. Become a member now and be the first in line for tickets.
Access performances are also available for productions within our theatre space, including Sensory Adapted (SA), Audio Described (AD), BSL Interpreted (BSL) and Captioned (C) performances, with all tickets for Sensory Adapted performances as Pay What You Can starting at £15. Please keep an eye on our event pages for confirmed dates and times.
Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann's Square, Manchester, M2 7DH
Phone: 0161 833 9833
Visit: royalexchange.co.uk
Phoenix Opera Society at TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
We have a noble tradition of amateur operatic and dramatic work in the borough. In 1977 two such great societies – Kirkholt G & S and Rochdale Intimate Opera merged, rising from the ashes as Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society and going on to produce many successful shows.
In a first for Toad Lane Concerts, some twenty of these Thespians began with extracts from their forthcoming production of Gilbert & Sullivan’s Princess Ida.
A feature of this trimmed down presentation was a strong chorus. Being an operatic chorus is different from a choir because the members are individual characters who also sing as one when appropriate. Conductor Jonathan Gibson runs a tight ship and clearly has coached his crew well to tell the story. They were all ably supported at the piano by Edward Rigg.
From the chorus sprang soloists such as Peter Fitton who delivered the classic patter song, ‘If you give me your attention’, with panache. The ladies’ section was particularly impressive, each well-schooled in their maxim, ‘Mighty maiden with a mission,’ as exemplified by Stella Whitehouse.
Tasty non-operatic morsels followed with the song ‘Sea Fever’ from Steven Miller’s resonant baritone. A plaintive ‘The Lords My Shepherd’ from Abigail Rhodes and chorus was contrasted by the sonorous mezzo of Juie Sutcliffe in a passionate ‘Don't cry for me Argentina’.
A stirring ‘Hail Poetry’ with Steven Miller and chorus and a nostalgic ‘We’ll Gather Lilacs’ from Lynn Lee, culminated in ‘Bui Doi’ from Miss Saigon from everyone.
As a tantalising bonus to finish we had extracts from The Gondoliers, including a vibrant ‘Take a pair of sparkling eyes’ by seasoned tenor, Gerard Marsden, and the Act 2 Finale from the assembled company. This was, in fact a sneak preview of next year’s Phoenix uprising in April 2026.
New members are very welcome. You too could be a Thespian with a song in your heart.
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.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 26 March 2025
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Annual competition DPI. Judge Colin Douglas AFIAP ARPS AFIAP DPAGB BPE4
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 26 March 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Music from Tonacliffe Primary School. Directed by Freda Farnworth.
The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
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 27 March 2025 - Saturday 29 March 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
Sunday 30 March 2025
Chaand Raat
Join us for our annual Chaand Raat, marking the end of Ramadan and the start of Eid celebrations.
A fun event where there will be many stalls selling food, desserts, perfumes, jewellery, tombola, clothing, mehndi and much more.
Stalls are £25 and are only booked on payment. Please call 07837 828754 to book a stall.
Free entry to the public
Phone: Tasneem 07837 828754
4pm until late
Castlemere Banqueting Hall, 8 Castlemere Street, Rochdale OL11 3SW
Sunday 30 March 2025
Alkrington Alternative Market
A new alternative market launches in Alkrington, Middleton – a haven for the quirky and handmade.
Alkrington, Middleton is about to welcome a brand-new shopping experience for lovers of all things alternative, handmade, and unique.
With around 40 incredible stalls, this market is a must-visit for anyone who appreciates gothic, witchy, quirky, and handcrafted products. Expect to find alternative art, jewellery, clothing, home décor, candles, and much more, all crafted by talented independent makers.
Food lovers are in for a treat, too! The market will feature delicious food vendors and a coffee barista horse food cart, ensuring visitors can grab a bite while browsing the eclectic selection of stalls.
Each month, the market will also host a charity tombola supporting different causes. The first event will be raising funds for the RSPCA, helping to support animals in need.
Whether you’re a collector of the unusual, a supporter of small businesses, or just looking for a great day out with a fantastic atmosphere, this market is the perfect place to explore.
Mark your calendars and join us for the launch on 30th March – and don’t forget to check out the market every month to discover new and exciting stalls! For updates, follow us on social media and stay tuned for more details.
Free
Phone: Mr Lee M Yates 07807 457703
11am - 4pm
Alkrington Community Centre, Hardfield Road, Alkrington M24 1TQ
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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