WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 05 APRIL 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 2 minutes ago
- 6 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 05 APRIL 2025
Environmental Responsibility Day
Preview by Steve Cooke
The first ever Rochdale Creates Environmental Responsibility Day is an event for anyone passionate about arts, culture, and sustainability in the borough to be held on Earth Day.
The call for environmental action is growing—coming from scientists, policymakers, funders, local authorities, and even our own audiences. But what does environmental responsibility mean for the arts and culture sector in Rochdale?
This one-day symposium is designed to: Start a sector-wide conversation about sustainability in the arts. Equip you with practical tools, knowledge, and connections to take meaningful action. Welcome everyone—no prior knowledge needed! Just bring your curiosity and enthusiasm.
This event is curated by Robin Lyons, an experienced environmental consultant and trainer with an MSc in Environmental Governance. As Artistic Director of Ergon Theatre, Robin has worked extensively at the intersection of arts and sustainability and has led multiple Carbon Literacy Training Projects for the arts sector in Rochdale.
The Agenda for the day will include:
Introduction to Environmental Responsibility (Panel Discussion)
Building an Environmentally Responsible Cultural Organisation (Workshop 1)
Lunch Break – Vegan, Vegetarian and Meat Options Available - survey will be sent 3 weeks before.
Obstacles to Environmental Responsibility (Workshop 2)
Taking Action (Practical Session)
The activities will include:
Expert Panel Discussion – Featuring representatives from Arts Council England, GMAST (Simon Curtis, Chief Convener), and Rochdale Borough Council.
Interactive Workshops – Shape environmentally responsible cultural organisations. Spotlight on Rochdale – Hear from Rochdale Development Agency, M6 Theatre Company, and Touchstones.
Practical Tools & Resources – Get support from Julie’s Bicycle to embed sustainability in your work.
Live Environmental Impact Reporting – Real-time tracking throughout the day.
Sustainable Lunch – Enjoy a delicious meal from Open Kitchen, made using food saved from waste.
Networking Opportunities – Connect, share challenges, and collaborate on solutions.
Rochdale Creates: Environmental Responsibility Day
Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:30 - 17:00 BST
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade Rochdale OL16 1AZ
To reserve a spot visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/environmental-responsibility-day-tickets
Laughs Under the Floodlights—Comedy Night at Rochdale AFC
Preview by Steve Cooke
Coming up in May At Rochdale AFC’s Crown Oil Arena is a night of comedy.
The Compere for the evening will be Jack Miller, known for his quick wit and engaging presence, will keep the energy high as he navigates the evening with his sharp humour.
Opening Act, Patrick Monahan Patrick, known for his infectious charm and captivating storytelling, has delighted audiences across the nation. His unique style blends observational comedy with hilarious anecdotes that will kick the night off perfectly.
The Middle Acts are Jimmy Shirley whose laid-back style and clever punchlines have made him a favourite in the comedy circuit with his ability to find humour in everyday situations and Maxine Wade bringing her fiery energy and relatable humour to the stage, taking a fresh take on modern life with witty observations.
Headliner, Rob Mulholland, is often hailed as Yorkshire's finest, a comedy powerhouse with razor-sharp wit and unapologetic humour delivering a riotous set filled with bold jokes and side-splitting commentary.
Early Bird: £12
Please note that the lineup may change. Audience members are asked for respect towards performers—no talking or using phones during the acts. Repeat offenders will be asked to leave.
This event, sponsored by Rochdale Training, combines comedy brilliance with community spirit. Whether you're out for laughs with friends or fancy a night of entertainment with a great atmosphere, this is one comedy night you won’t want to miss!
Recommended for audiences aged 16 and over.
16 May 2025, 20:00 – 23:00
Rochdale AFC, Crown Oil Arena, Sandy Ln, Rochdale OL11 5DR, UK
North by Northwest at HOME
Preview by Steve Cooke
As part of HOME Theatre Season 2025 we can look forward to North By Northwest, Adapted and Directed by Emma Rice, based on Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic 1959 film starring Cary Grant.
It would be strange, would it not, if, in a city of seven million people, one man were never mistaken for another…
But that is exactly what happens to Roger Thornhill, reluctant hero of North by Northwest, when a mistimed phone call to his mother lands him smack bang in the middle of a Cold War conspiracy. Now he’s on the run, dodging spies, airplanes and a femme fatale who might not be all she seems.
Theatre legend Emma Rice takes on film legend Alfred Hitchcock in this riotously funny reworking that turns the original thriller on its head. With just six shape-shifting performers, a fabulous ‘50s soundtrack and a LOT of suitcases, this dazzling production plays with the heart, mind and soul. Join us for a night of glamour, romance, jeopardy and a liberal sprinkling of tender truths.
Watch a short film of rehearsals https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTNtZMaXBxQ&t=46s
Tue 29 Apr – Sat 10 May
HOME Theatre 1, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
Box Office 0161 200 1500
Restaurant 0161 212 3500
RECOMMENDED
Monday 07 April 2025
Norden and District Local History Society
Janet Niepolojczycia ‘ Pack Horse Days and Pack Horse Ways’
Non-members welcome.
£2.50 members , non-members £3.50
7pm
Norden Bowling Club, Trinity Street, Norden OL12 7RD
Monday 07 April 2025
Mrs Smith - See me
Ever wondered what your teacher was thinking?
Let Facebook’s Mrs Smith enlighten you!
Mrs Smith was an ordinary teacher in an ordinary school until she went viral on Facebook and accidentally became a stand-up comedian.
Her wit and insights into daily school life, politics, socks, swearing, the side effects of a full moon and more inspired the sell-out show Mrs Smith - See Me! which debuted at the 2023 Edinburgh Fringe.
Child 1. "I've got 20 subscribers to my YouTube channel."
Child 2. "Yeh, so, my cousin's got 36 subscribers on Twitch."
Child 3. "My sister got almost 50 views on her dance TikTok."
Mrs Smith shakes her head and walks away. Is that it??? You have no idea; she mutters to herself. No idea at all. Mrs Smith is 10 away from 78,000 followers.
Year 6 would be soooooooo annoyed if they knew.
'Absolutely brilliant night, a gold star for Mrs Smith'
£18
Phone: Rick Attwood 07720 849866
7:30pm
Milnrow Cricket Club, Harbour Lane, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 4HF
Tuesday 08 April 2025
Rochdale & District Camera Club - P.O.T.Y. Number 2
Session: P.O.T.Y. Number 2.
2nd Competition.
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.
New members very Welcome to join us.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm - 10pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Tuesday 08 April 2025
Knit and Natter
We hold a 'Knit and Natter’ in the Marian Room every Tuesday afternoon.
Everyone is welcome to drop by and call in for a chat with friends, old and new.
The church will also be open for anyone who would like to take time for prayer and reflection.
Phone: 01706 631973
1.00pm til 2.30pm
Saint John The Baptist Catholic Church, Dowling Street, Rochdale OL11 1EX
Wednesday 09 April 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Harmony Choir, director Freda Farnworth with accompanist Graham Chamberlain.
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
Wednesday 09 April 2025 - Friday 11 April , Saturday 12 April 2025
Princess Ida (Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society)
Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society are delighted to announce this year's production of 'Princess Ida' (Or, Castle Adamant), by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan.
This fantastic comic operetta tells the story of a powerful woman who absconds her promised marriage duties to run a woman's university.
As typical for G&S productions, all is not as simple as it seems, and a fantastic set of twists and turns make this show not to be missed.
Rochdale Phoenix Opera Society are an Award-Winning company, highly praised for their Gilbert and Sullivan Productions.
Cash Only Licenced Bar on site.
£14 Adults
Phone: Penny Lydiate 01706 344773
Wed-Fri 7.30pm
Sat Saturday 2.30pm
St Aidan's Church, 10 Manchester Rd, Sudden, Rochdale OL11 3EL
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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