previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 29 JANUARY 2025
Blue Boy presents CYCLES at Aviva Studios
Preview by Steve Cooke
Cycles at the Aviva Studios is movement at its most fluid, distilled and skilled. Resolute and unapologetic, Boy Blue's latest production is a celebration of hip hop dance in all its forms.
An opportunity to experience the connection between the movement on stage and the rhythm, groove and bounce of the music, as nine powerful dancers fill the space in what feels like unending motion.
Founded by Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante and Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy, Boy Blue are the UK’s most celebrated hip-hop dance theatre company. In 2023, they teamed up with Danny Boyle, Es Devlin, Sabrina Mahfouz and Gareth Pugh for our mind-bending opening show Free Your Mind. In 2024, they won the inaugural Sky Arts Award for Dance for their world-class body of work.
Cycles comes to Manchester after its world premiere at the Barbican in 2024. Immerse yourself in the wonders of hip hop, as Boy Blue back are welcomed back to Aviva Studios.
21 - 22 Mar 2025
The Hall, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
Standard Tickets £30 and £20
Affordable:
Concessions £15 and £10
Aviva £10 Tickets
A booking fee of £1.50 per ticket applies to all bookings.
MULTITALENTED TIM KENNEDY AT TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Tim Kennedy appeared as a concert pianist but is also well-known as a professional singer, vocal coach and organist. He studied music at Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, but has now been based in Manchester as a freelance professional musician for more than fifteen years. He is a staff accompanist at the RNCM and an official accompanist for festivals, regional events and competitions. (For further information, see www.tim-kennedy.co.uk)
This was a judicious selection of ancient and modern piano pieces, all impeccably played. Tim also has an easy way with interesting introductions that engage well with the audience and enhances their listening (we were fascinated to learn that he had hand warmers in his pockets for between pieces).
Firstly, his classical gems were JS Bach’s Sheep may safely graze, arranged by Egon Petri, beautifully poised; Sinding’s Rustle of Spring, skilfully played to bring out the waterfall cascade of the original meaning; the attractive Waltz in C# minor by Chopin, and Grieg’s renowned Morning (Peer Gynt Suite). With Granada (Suite espagnole) and Tango by Albeniz, sounding clear and fresh in their original piano versions on the refurbished heritage 1935 Challen Grand Piano at St Mary in the Baum.
From classics to moody moderns with Mariage d’amour (1979) by Paul de Senneville, Indigo moon (2006), by Elissa Milne and music from the French film Amélie (2001) by Yann Tiersen.
Just before his final item, a masterstroke in audience participation: it was Tim’s mother’s birthday and as he was recording his recital, he asked us all to join him in singing for her. So, Happy Birthday dear Janet! This brought the house down.
This eclectic recital was rounded off by Jealousy (Gypsy Tango) (1925) by Gade, well-known in many other guises from violin solo to song.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade-1 listed St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. No refreshments available. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 29 January 2025
Rock Choir Middleton - Sing with the nation’s leading adult choir
Rock Choir is much more than a choir - it's a multi layered singing experience.
The power of music, meeting new friends and performing at life changing events, together contribute to an emotional and powerful journey for our members. We have been perfecting Rock Choir for 10 years now and have achieved an award-winning standard of excellence in both the educational and emotional aspects of what we try to do.
Rock Choir is the pioneering contemporary choir of the UK and remains unique with over 28,000 members enjoying it across the UK. Each member is welcomed into the Rock Choir family and their journey with us allows music, friendship and a new found confidence to impact their everyday lives. Together we have created a safe, up lifting and exciting experience just for you.
As a new member, you may choose to simply rehearse with your friends or take to the stage and join them at a variety of Rock Choir events and shows - it's up to you. You can take as much or as little from the experiences on offer. You'll never have to sing on your own or be under any pressure.
Sign up today on our website (link below) and get a FREE taster session with us.
First session FREE
Phone: Xander–Jaymes Le Petit 01252 714 276
7.30pm - 9pm
Edgar Wood Academy, Heywood Old Road, Middleton, Heywood OL10 2QN
Wednesday 29 January 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Sam Rodwell classical guitar (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 29 January 2025
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Q1 Competition, Judge – John Riley.
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.
https://www.rochdaleps.org.uk/syllabus£2.50 for room fee
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Thursday 30 January 2025
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.
Free and suitable for children 5 and under and their grown-ups.
Booking is required.
Free / Booking in advance is required
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
12pm to 1.30pm
Rochdale Library, Number 1 Riverside, Smith Street, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Thursday 30 January 2025 - Saturday 01 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 31 January 2025
Absolute Reggae
Returning to the Middleton Arena, the high energy Absolute Reggae show will be bringing those reggae vibes back onto stage with a 10 piece band, including a 3 piece horn section and 4 vocalists.
The Absolute Reggae show will have you singing along to great Reggae songs from Bob Marley, Desmond Dekker, John Holt, Ken Boothe and UB40 to name a few.
Join us for a reggaetastic evening to get a Good Thing Going because you Can’t Help Falling In Love with Absolute Reggae!
From £23.50
7:30pm Doors open: 6.45pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Friday 31 January 2025
Castleton Literary and Scientific Society
Shifting Sands.
History and changes of Morecambe Bay - a talk by Steve Williams, Historian.
Annual Membership £25 ; Visitors welcome £3 per meeting
Phone: Barry Hobson 07724 135099
7pm.
Castleton Community Centre, Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Saturday 01 February 2025
The Big Pants Party
The Big Pants Party is the ultimate ladies night out, celebrating the iconic soundtrack of a lifetime of fun, love and friendship.
Join us for an evening of fabulous live music and amazing vocalists as we embark on an extraordinary celebration of sisterhood with some of the greatest hits of all time.
Performed live in concert, The Big Pants Party takes you on a nostalgic journey as you relive the amazing music that helped create bonds that will last a lifetime.
Gather your squad, dress to impress and get your tickets to the hottest girl’s night out this year. You’ll laugh, you’ll dance, and you’ll sing as we take you on a nostalgic trip down memory lane at The Big Pants Party!
From £27
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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