previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 10 AUGUST 2024
RIVERSIDE WRITING GROUP – A CELEBRATION
Review by Eileen Earnshaw
Saturday 13th July was a big day in the annals of Riverside Writing Group. We held the second of our Celebration of Summer Events.
This year William Pollard gave a fascinating talk on the life of dialect poet and novelist M.R. Lahee. Born in Ireland in 1831, Lahee came to Rochdale as a young women to learn the trade of milliner and seamstress. Here she met her life-long companion Susannah Rothwell Wild, with whom she had a close relationship.
Lahee disliked the millinery industry and decided to earn her living as a writer. In this period, to be a woman was difficult. To be a woman writer of dialect was impossible. However, this powerful and fascinating woman succeeded in that man’s world bringing the attention of her readers to the hardships endured by widows left destitute through no fault of their own, and the particular problems faced by female cotton workers. In her time Lahee was acclaimed by such writers as Edwin Waugh and William Dinsmore. She has however, since that time been largely forgotten. The reasons suggested for this are, firstly her gender and secondly her sexuality. Indeed, when a memorial to the Lancashire writers was proposed by Rochdale Council, Archdeacon Wilson fought bitterly against her inclusion. She was however included on one of the bronze sculptured plaques, but facing the hill where the least amount of people could view it. The monument is still in Broadfield Park. Susanah and Lahee were buried in the same grave, but the inscription they wanted was not permitted. It would have read ‘ They were lovely and pleasant in their lives and in death they were undivided’.
Following William Pollard’s talk, the Littleborough U3A Choir led by Christine Longhurst sang a lovely collection of three songs. It would have been a joy to hear more, but time was against us. Heywood Ukelele Group came next with a medley of music led by Deborah Whitham, a most enjoyable listening experience.
We were also fortunate in that the Oakenhoof Folk Musicians led by Dave Broome and the Rossendale Clog dancers led by Helen Davies. The dancers and the musicians then made progress to the Viccolo Del Vino for lunch and an open mic session with all the musicians, poets, dancers and the wonderful U3A Choir all performed again much to the enjoyment of everyone. Information on all these groups and events available at https://riversidewriters.org.uk/.
Cast announced for 25th Anniversary production of Marie Jones’ Stones in His Pockets an Octagon Theatre co-production with Barn Theatre and Salisbury Playhouse
Preview by Steve Cooke
The cast has officially been announced for the 25th Anniversary production of Stones in His Pockets, a co-production with Octagon Theatre Bolton, The Barn Theatre, Cirencester and Wiltshire Creative.
Stones in his Pockets will open at The Barn, Cirencester, playing from 23 August to 14 September, with a national press night on Tuesday 27 August. It will play at Salisbury Playhouse from 1 – 19 October, and Octagon Theatre Bolton from 22 October – 2 November.
Set in rural Ireland, a small village is turned upside down when a Hollywood studio arrives to film the latest historical blockbuster – but Tinseltown’s romanticised dream of Ireland is far from reality in this fresh take on the witty, award-winning comedy.
Northern Ireland actors Shaun Blaney and Gerard McCabe will star as ‘Charlie Conlon’ and ‘Jake Quinn.’
Shaun Blaney is best-known for the critically acclaimed one man show In The Name of The Son, which toured to the Edinburgh Fringe and the Auckland theatre festival New Zealand. Shaun was nominated best actor at the Irish Theatre Awards for his portrayal of the legendary Gerry Conlon. Last year Shaun starred in two of The Stage's Top 50 shows of the year, including Cyprus Avenue (The Tron Glasgow), and Rhino (Tinderbox Belfast). Further theatre credits include Little Women (The Lyric Theatre), The Man Who Fell To Pieces (Tinderbox), Inventors (Kabosh) and Three's A Shroud (GBL).
Gerard McCabe’s stage credits include: The Threepenny Opera, What The Reindeer Saw, Smiley, Pride and Prejudice and The Jungle Book (Lyric Theatre, Belfast); The Blue Boy Glenmore (Brassneck/Lyric Theatre); Jacques Brel is Alive and Well (Lyric Theatre/Blunt Fringe); Lally the Scut, Fireworks, and Swing State Cabaret (Tinderbox); Complete Works of Shakespeare Abridged, 25th Annual Spelling Bee, Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, A Midsummers Night Dream, and Blue Remembered Hills (Bruiser Theatre Company); iSpy (Big Telly); Short Strand Rising and Henry and Harriot (Kabosh Theatre Company); Tosca (NI Opera); The New Kid and Sinking (Replay Theatre Company); The Comedy of Errors (Belfast Th. Co); Herons, Pvt. Wars(Pintsized Productions).
This production will be directed by Matthew McElhinney, son of the playwright Marie Jones and the play’s original director Ian McElhinney, with designer Gregor Donnelly, with lighting design by Alex Musgrave, sound design and composition by Harry Smith, and Ben Collins and Alex Tabrizi on AV.
The 25th Anniversary production, which premiered in Cirencester in summer 2021, brought an authentic rediscovery to the worldwide phenomenon, which won numerous awards including both the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best New Comedy, as well as three Tony nominations on Broadway.
Iwan Lewis, Artistic Director of The Barn said, "The Barn Theatre’s 25th anniversary production of Stones in His Pockets is truly a gift that keeps on giving. Premiering as one of our first shows post-pandemic, it later electrified the Lyric Theatre in Belfast with a sold-out run that marked a triumphant "return home" in 2022. From filming digital cameos with stars like Liam Neeson and Ciarán Hinds, to the spontaneous mid-show standing ovations, I am thrilled to bring back this extraordinary piece by Marie Jones. With the support of the Octagon Theatre Bolton and The Salisbury Playhouse, this marks an exciting future for the Barn as our productions continue to resonate across the UK. Stones has already had a rich history including runs on the West End and Broadway, but something tells me that this is just the beginning for this exceptional production.”
Lotte Wakeham, Artistic Director of the Octagon Theatre Bolton said, “We are excited to be bringing this hilarious comedy to audiences across the country in this exciting co-production and are thrilled to be working with the teams at Barn Theatre and Wiltshire Creative on what promises to be a must-see show.”
Gareth Machin, Artistic Director of Wiltshire Creative, said, “We are delighted to be working with both The Barn Theatre Cirencester and Octagon Theatre Bolton on this production of Stones in His Pockets. This is our first collaboration with The Barn Theatre, and, alongside the Octagon Theatre Bolton, we are excited to join forces in bringing this powerful dramatic comedy to our stages across the country.”
Marie Jones said, “I never thought the original magic of 'Stones in His Pockets' could be recreated. What's truly remarkable about this 25th anniversary production is that it captures all the original charm while feeling as if I wrote the play just yesterday. I’m thrilled to see 'Stones' return to the stage and am eager to follow its renewed journey."
Stones in His Pockets plays at the Octagon Theatre Bolton Tue 22 October – Sat 2 November.
Tickets start from £15 and are on-sale now.
Find out more and book tickets via the Octagon Box Office on 01204 520661 or at octagonbolton.co.uk
RECOMMENDED
Saturday 10 August 2024
Rochdale Feel Good Festival 2024
There will be live music across indoor venues, a main outdoor stage, an extended food and drink village and other entertainment for Rochdale Feel Good Festival 2024.
Opening times:
Festival start time: 11.30am
Main stage gates open: 12.30pm
Main stage performances: 1pm
Main stage finish time: 10.45pm
Performers include headliners Ocean Colour Scene, Lottery Winners, Heather Small, Madame Claude.
Also on the main stage Toucan, Madame Claude, iamkyami, Atlas and Dave Sweetmore (DJ).
Great food and drink is always a big part of the festival.
£15 each, excluding 5 per cent booking fee.
11.30am
Rochdale Town Hall Square, Main stage, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Saturday 10 August 2024
The Festidale - From Fragments to Fiction
Actor and writer of Evening Conversations, Sudha Bhuchar
In this workshop, Sudha will share her practice of using verbatim testimonies and everyday conversations as seeds of inspiration for works like Evening Conversations. Through practical exercises, participants will experience how to access collective memory and spontaneous dialogue, shaping into short scenes and monologues.
There will also be space for conversation and a Q&A about Sudha’s other work, touching on how truthful, political and stirring work can start from these seemingly small beginnings – the extraordinary in the everyday.
The FestiDale is part of Local Exchange, the Royal Exchange Theatre’s ambitious long-term programme co-curated with ambassadors and champions in communities across Greater Manchester.
Pay What You Can
5pm
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale OL16 4XA
Saturday 10 August 2024
The Festidale - Evening Conversations
'Full of truth and beauty…. really brave!” Riz Ahmed
Evening Conversations is presented by Bhuchar Boulevard and is written and performed by Sudha Bhuchar, directed by Kristine Landon-Smith and with music by the award-winning Arun Ghosh.
Middle-class, middle-aged, multicultural mother of millennial sons, Sudha invites her Indo/Pakistani, fiercely British boys to ‘crack open a cold one’ and share their views on life.
“You’re the one with the identity crisis mum, not us!”
Evening Conversations has wide intergenerational appeal and has engaged many diverse audiences across the country, including the Soho Theatre! This joyful monologue invites you to carry on the conversation after…
Pay What You Can
7.30pm
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale OL16 4XA
Sunday 11 August 2024
Rochdale Feel Good Festival Sunday 2024
Excited to tell you we’ll also have a fabulous line-up of FREE live music on the MAIN STAGE on SUNDAY afternoon for the first time.
A host of internationally acclaimed artists on 11 August at Rochdale Town Hall Square include Ríoghnach Connolly & Honeyfeet - Renowned for their infectious, floor-thumping dance rhythms, on-stage banter and mischievous energy, this exhilarating live act is fronted by BBC Radio 2 Folk Singer of the Year award-winner Ríoghnach of The Breath and Lí Ban.
High- energy party band Marvara - A high-energy party band featuring some of the finest musicians Belgium and the Nordic countries have to offer. Winners of 2023’s Flanders Folk Award for ‘Most Promising Band’, they were also nominated for ‘Best Live Band.’
Peters Field - A new Rochdale made musical marking one of the most momentous days in working class history makes its live debut, featuring 15 original songs.
And more...
Come and enjoy an afternoon of ‘Feel Good’ folk.
Free
1pm - 5pm
Rochdale Town Hall Square, Main stage, The Esplanade, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
Sunday 11 August 2024
The Festidale - Family Fun Days for Under 10s
Calling all children aged under 10 (and their adults)!
A fun day of workshops, crafts, face painting and performances for all the family from 11am to 3pm.
Come along, stay for the day and take part in loads of free craft activities. Plus, there will be free food for everyone!
You can book for the events below or just turn up and have some fun!
Family Story Making Workshop with M6 Theatre 10.30am – 11.45am & 2.15pm – 3.30pm. Story-making and storytelling for 4–8 year olds and their adults.
Anansi and the Lost Sun by Swallows Wings Puppetry 12.00pm – 1.00pm & 4.00pm – 5.00pm 4+. A funny, inspiring & entertaining West African tale mixing puppetry, spoken word & live traditional West African Music.
Puppetry Workshop with Swallow’s Wings Puppetry 2.00pm – 3.00pm. Recycled puppetry making and play with the makers of Anansi and the Lost Sun.
Children must be accompanied by an adult in all activities
The FestiDale is part of Local Exchange, the Royal Exchange Theatre’s ambitious long-term programme co-curated with ambassadors and champions in communities across Greater Manchester.
10am - 5pm
The Den, Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdalen OL16 4XA
Monday 12 August 2024
Milkshake! Live on Holiday
Milkshake! Live is back with a brand-new show.
Join your favourite Milkshake friends on Holiday with Chase and Marshall from Paw Patrol, DORA, Pip and Posy, Blue from Blue’s Clues and You, Milo, Milkshake Monkey plus two presenters for an all-new adventure.
Pack your bags and jump aboard the Milkshake train as we go on an all singing, all dancing holiday together. It’s a family show not to be missed.
Milkshake Live “On Holiday” is produced by Mark Thompson Productions Limited in partnership with Channel 5 Broadcasting. Written by Miranda Larson, with creative direction and choreography by Derek Moran.
Tickets from £16.50
1pm and 4pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Wednesday 14 August 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Visit to Greenbooth Reservoir
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 14 August 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Lewis Kingsley Peart piano (Trinity-Laban Conservatoire)
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
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
Comentários