previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 01 FEBRUARY 2025
Macbeth at Middleton Arena
Preview by Steve Cooke
A full-scale production of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Middleton Arena is set in the murky Dark Ages where love, politics and witchcraft collide.
A warworn Macbeth is told by three sisters that he is fated to become King of Scotland so beginning a series of events that lead to the destruction of Kings, friends and souls as he, and his Lady, try to cling to the tainted crown.
Enjoy this classic tale as portrayed by William Shakespeare with sorcery, ghostly apparitions and spectacular sword fights!
Recommendation Age: 11+
Watch the trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04PhwvFygMs
Thursday 13 March, 7.30pm
Tickets from £16
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG
General Enquiries & Bookings: 0161 662 4000
Ticket Sales & Event Enquiries (open Mon-Fri 10am – 2.30pm: 0300 303 8633
Box Office: arts.events@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk
WAKE at Factory international
Preview by Steve Cooke
THISISPOPBABY’s electrifying new show comes to Manchester with glitter, beats and banging tunes.
This Irish WAKE is an electrifying Irish variety phenomenon from an acclaimed Irish theatre company, remixing traditions in a high-octane, heart-thumping celebration of life and connection.
Immerse yourself in a wild WAKE where customs collide with club anthems, creating a euphoric soundtrack for a night filled with aerial artistry, tap, cabaret, slam poetry, pole-dancing and more.
Best known as an ancient funeral rite, the Irish wake is a celebration of transformation and of moving from one realm to another. Ushering in fabulous change – caterpillar to butterfly – the wake is a timeless reminder to live fully.
After two sold-out, award-winning runs in Dublin, theatrical juggernaut WAKE makes its way to Manchester. Don’t miss a spectacle with the spirit of an epic trad session and the ecstatic energy of a stadium concert.
Expect joy, connection, release… and glitter.
17 - 21 Apr 2025
North Warehouse, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester M3 4JQ
Tickets:
£35
Affordable:
Concessions 50% Discount
Aviva £10 Tickets
A booking fee of £1.50 per ticket applies to all bookings.
Abigail’s Party with Kim Marsh coming to the Royal Exchange Theatre.
Preview by Steve Cooke
Mike Leigh’s tragicomic masterpiece ABIGAIL’S PARTY has garnered cult status across the decades.
In the Royal Exchange Theatre’s distinctive space, award-winning Director Natalie Abrahami draws on the unique in-the-round stage to create an intimate party that you won’t want to miss.
At the height of 1970s suburbia, social class and ambition, Beverly Moss, the Hostess with the Mostess, is inviting you to her cocktail party. The latest tracks are on the record player, the drinks are flowing and there’s even a bowl of olives – although it seems that only Laurence likes those. As the night moves on and the party gets thick with sexual tension, Beverly’s exclusive gathering quickly descends into chaos.
Wannabe socialite Beverly Moss has been an iconic character since ABIGAIL’S PARTY first hit stage and screen in 1977.
North-west born actor, presenter and singer Kym Marsh, who you might recognise from a wealth of roles including CORONATION STREET and ATG’s FATAL ATTRACTION, will be taking to the stage for this major revival of Mike Leigh’s cult classic play.
See this epic modern classic at the Royal Exchange Theatre for the first time this Spring.
4 April – 17 May.
Age Guidance 14+. Contains: strong language, illness, smoking, alcohol consumption, racism (including racial slurs), and discrimination.
Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester, M2 7DH
Phone: 0161 833 9833
This is a party you won't want to miss - book your tickets now!
RECOMMENDED
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
Monday 03 February 2025
Norden and District Local History Society
Heather Davies – Gods Glaziers.
Non-members welcome.
£2.50 members , non-members £3.50
7pm
Norden Bowling Club, Trinity Street, Norden OL12 7RD
Tuesday 04 February 2025
Rochdale & District Camera Club - Street/Night Photography - Visit to Rochdale
Session: Street/Night Photography - Visit to Rochdale.
If the weather is bad, do an indoor talk on street/night photography, maybe with a decent YouTube video. Start at 7:30pm this evening
We meet every Tuesday at 8pm at Syke Methodist Church Hall.
You are more than welcome to come down to one of our club nights to see if you would enjoy joining the club.
Visit the link below for the 2025 syllabus.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
7.30pm - 9.30pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Wednesday 07 February 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Notability mixed voice choir Lesley Cavanagh 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 05 February 2025
Tea Dances with Prima Dance
Join us as we waltz back into a cherished tradition and let the rhythm of sequence dancing sweep you off your feet.
The Tea Dance will fill the Grand Hall every first Wednesday of the month. Immerse yourself in an afternoon of joy and connection, as friends old and new come together to enjoy the magic of dance.
Prima Dance invites you to glide in harmony with your fellow dancers while executing the same routines, moving gracefully in an anticlockwise direction around the room. Each step you take offers a chance to bond with others, making memories that linger long after the last note fades.
Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, we warmly welcome all skill levels.
Mark your calendars and prepare for an enchanting mix of rhythm, relaxation, and reconnecting. We can't wait to see you back on the dance floor at Rochdale Town Hall.
£6.50 including refreshments
Phone: 01706 924797
1pm - 3pm
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Wednesday 05 February 2025
Whitworth Historical Society
“Shoes - their history and mine” by Linda Sawley.
(note: - this will be held at the Hallfold URC schoolroom)We all have need of shoes or footwear of some kind and today the names given to various styles and materials of construction are legion. Linda looks at the development of footwear and gives us an insight into her own preferences
Please note - Please check the venue for this meeting before you attend using the website link below or by contacting the Secretary. Some meetings will be held in the Hallfold URC schoolroom as it has a far greater capacity than the museum.
Whitworth Historical Society have a programme of monthly lectures, which are usually held on the first Wednesday in every month, between the months of October and June, at 7.30pm.
Visit the link below for a list of upcoming talks/lectures.
Free but donations welcome
Phone: Secretary 07816 911 556
7.30pm start
Whitworth Heritage Museum, North Street, Whitworth OL12 8RA
Wednesday 05 February 2025
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Creative Competition.
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.
£2.50 for room fee
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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