previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 21 SEPTEMBER 2024
Scuttled – an audio drama
Preview by Steve Cooke
Scuttled is a highly recommended full cast, including Christopher Eccleston, audio drama in five episodes with huge local interest.
It is a bold project drawing on historical research and archaeology to create a unique full-cast audio drama. Starring Christopher Eccleston, the five-episode saga follows the Ashworths, a family living and working on the Rochdale Canal between 1840 and 1922.
The initial idea came from the project’s archaeological consultant and co-producer, Kelly Griffiths when she was running a dig for MOLA [one of the leading providers of archaeological services in the UK] in the centre of Rochdale.
She says:
“I was working on an archaeological watching brief in the historic canal basin of Rochdale, a disused car park that was being redeveloped. The excavations revealed the remains of barge boats abandoned in the boatholes of a warehouse. The vessels were 72ft long and 14ft wide and were worked by families and pulled by horses on the Rochdale Canal carrying cargoes of coal, cotton and produce. These boats – known as Mersey Flats – were left scuttled in the basin in 1921 and at the time of deposition were likely a century old. Whilst I was standing in one of the hulks, I realised I wanted to explore the lives of the families who worked and lived on these beautiful wide beam barges. Luckily, MOLA were distributing IAA (Impact Acceleration Account) grants for projects to creatively interpret archaeology and the idea of Scuttled was formed.”
Writer Ian Winterton came on board to oversee the project and develop the proposed storyline.
“The project really sparked my imagination,” says Ian, “and, judging by the response we had to the call-out, I wasn’t the only one. Thanks to local writers and history groups, plus a call-out on the BBC Writersroom’s Opportunities webpage, we were inundated with applications – 132 in total – and whittling these down to just five was tough. But, once we’d assembled our team, it was time to take them down to the archives in Rochdale Local Studies to see what aspects of canal life they felt inspired “For me,” says Kelly, “I think this was one of the most exciting parts of the project. It was brilliant to see our five writers in the archives accessing the stories of these people through old records, newspapers and photographs. And it was so much fun too. “During their research session, the writers each identified an aspect of canal life that they wanted to use as a basis for a short audio script. They were initially briefed to write 10 minute vignettes but, once the writers came back with their initial ideas, Ian began to wonder if Scuttled couldn’t become something more ambitious – and bigger. “When we were talking in our story sessions,” Ian says, “I kept thinking about how much it felt like a family saga, especially as the five writers were each drawn to aspects and stories of canal life from various points in history. So, once the writers’ scripts were in, it became my job to write connecting tissue and a voice-over from our two narrators, and plot out the family saga, create a theme and story for each episode and, where necessary, rewrite each of the vignettes.”
Eventually the script became five 25 minute episodes telling a saga over four generations. Thoughts turned to casting, beginning with the main protagonist, Thomas, whose life story Scuttled had now become. There had only ever been one name in mind right from the beginning – Christopher Eccleston – and, to the team’s delight, he came on board right away.
While Chris was recorded at Jungle Studios in London, the rest of the adult cast were recorded over two days at Oscillate Recording Studios in Manchester, with Artistic Director, James Steventon, directing.
“Bringing the stories of the Rochdale Canal's bargees to life has been a profound journey. Their resilience and grit, navigating the waters of the late 1800s, echo in every line of this drama and once you dive deeper into their lives, you notice the parallels with our lives even today. We've also had the utter privilege to work with Christopher Eccleston, whose depth and authenticity enrich every moment of the piece. Together, I do believe we've honoured the voices of those who once lived and worked along these storied waters.”
The final element of the drama was casting the children’s roles. For this, the team went to St Edward’s Primary School in Rochdale, situated just yards from the site of the MOLA dig that inspired the drama. After a day of workshops in the school itself, six child actors were selected, and the recording took place at Rochdale’s own Voltalab Studios.
Finally, with all parts recorded, it fell to director James to put his sound designer hat on. “Hearing the stories come to life with a cast of just nine voices in the recording studio, and then expanding this soundscape in the finals edits most definitely demanded creativity and precision.
Each voice and sound had to carry the weight of a multitude of characters, and in doing so, we've crafted a world that feels as lived in as our canals once were.”
The first episode of Scuttled went live on Wednesday 4th September 2024, free to stream or download online, with subsequent episodes following every Wednesday. Just search for "The Midweek Drama" where you usually listen to your podcasts or visit our Audioboom page here: https://audioboom.com/channels/4949173-the-midweek-drama.
JIMMY CRICKET PROVES ‘THERE’S MORE’ at HEYWOOD LIBRARY
Review by Steve Cooke
The legendary Jimmy Cricket wowed a full house at Heywood Library with tales from his long and highly successful career in show business.
Following side-splitting stand-up routine, Jimmy chatted about his autobiography, before being interviewed, very professionally, by his grandson, Tristan, about his life in entertainment.
There was more, as the event ended on a high note with Jimmy performing a song and dance routine, then staying to engage with the audience and sign copies of his book.
A hilarious and uplifting experience for all those lucky enough to be present.
Jimmy’s autobiography Memoirs Of An Irish Comedian ‘Come Here There’s More’ The Jimmy Cricket Story is on sale from Amazon and £1 goes to the charity ‘Mary’s Meals’.
Visit: https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?
Town Hall Organ Re-Opening Concert.
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
When Rochdale Town Hall was finished in 1872 there were three empty arches in the Great Hall, intended to house a civic organ. On 9th July 1913 on the visit of their Majesties King George V and Queen Mary this was remedied with a magnificent instrument by James Jepson Binns, donated by Alderman Sir Samuel Turner JP. Only then was the hall complete.
Over 100 years later some 400 people gathered to hear international organist Jonathan Scott’s sensational reopening concert. Only then would the extensive renovation of the hall be complete.
Trained at Chetham’s and the RNCM, USA and the Netherlands, Jonathan, the Bridgewater Hall official organist came fresh from his live organ solo BBC Prom on 10 August 24 at The Royal Albert Hall.
Jonathan is one of those rare performers who has consummate ability and a popular touch able to engage readily with an audience. He skilfully introduced and guided us through the varied orchestral sounds and combinations at his disposal. He has played the Binns instrument many times. He affectionately remembered as a young student paying 50p per hour to practise and notably made a definitive video recording of it just before the pandemic.
A stupendous opening with Wagner’s Tannhäuser Overture (arr. Lemare) was followed by Jonathan’s own remarkable transcriptions of JS Bach, Handel’s Zadok the Priest, Smetana’s Vltava, Norman Cocker’s Tuba Tune, Dvořak’s Rusalka’s Song to the Moon, and the celebrated Saint-Seans Organ Symphony finale. Jonathan made the most of Rochdale’s world class Binns. More than letting the organ thunder, this was a masterclass in the subtleties and potential of a civic instrument.
The capacity audience demanded an encore and were treated to a beautiful Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana by Mascagni.
It should be mentioned that Jonathan and his talented brother Tom continued to entertain online throughout the pandemic featuring piano and harmonium duets from their home as well as Jonathan’s visits to organs in the UK and abroad. The Scott Brothers Duo You Tube achieving over 80 million views! We are fortunate to have such astonishing talent in our area.
Jonathan is also the Honorary President of ORTOA (Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside Organists’ Association founded 1908). They will now resume their mission to promote organ music and the town hall instrument in particular – watch this space.
Incidentally, there was an ORTOA town hall concert during Covid, played by Paul Carr (10 Oct 2020), one of the few concerts to go ahead in the whole country during the Lockdown ‘easings.’ Then the town hall closed for renovation. ORTOA became nomadic and explored other worthy organs in its patch. They will present their pre-arranged Brereton Memorial Concert with organist Graham Barber on Saturday 12 October 2024 at 3 pm at Albion UR Church in Ashton-u-Lyne OL6 6QQ.
RECOMMENDED
Saturday 21 September 2024
Crooners
Packed with personality and humour, Crooners has been wowing audiences with its witty and exhilarating show full of hilarious one liners, laugh out loud silliness and superb musical numbers with the outstanding nine-piece The Mini Big Band live on stage.
Crooners pays homage to some of the greatest singers of all time, with a splendiferous injection of Britishness. Featuring humour, tap dance and some of the most quintessential songs from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, Matt Monro, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin. Expect Come Fly With Me, Fly Me to the Moon, Mack the Knife and many, many more…
Doors open at 7.00pm.
Tickets from £26.50
Phone: Middleton Arena 0300 303 8633
7.30pm
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG
Sunday 22 September 2024
Manford's Comedy Club
Hello Middleton!! Manford’s Comedy Club are very excited to announce the addition of Middleton Arena to our comedy family!
This beautiful and impressive venue is the perfect space to play host to the award-winning comedy club.
Every show has a different line-up of four top comedians, who are all personally chosen by Jason Manford.
Tonight’s show:
Compered by Matt Reed, your line-up for this inaugural comedy club is:
Chris Washington
Al Stevenson
Mick Ferry
From: £14.00
7pm Doors open at 6pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Manchester M24 1AG
Wednesday 25 September 2024
Comedy night in aid of Springhill Hospice, sponsored by Molesworths Solicitors.
This event holds great personal significance for Ace Lips Events, as we would like to express our gratitude to the local hospice for the exceptional care they provide to our loved ones in their time of need.
We have curated an amazing lineup of acts who are renowned headliners on the comedy circuit across the country.
Howard Walker will serve as the Master of Ceremonies, guiding the evening's entertainment.
Join us for a night filled with laughter as Tony Burgess, Dawn Bailey, Jenny Hart, and Dave Twentyman take the stage to share their comedic brilliance.
Your presence at this event will not only provide an enjoyable evening among friends but also contribute towards supporting this incredible local cause.
Together, let us raise funds while spreading smiles.
£10
Phone: Richard Attwood 07720 849866
8pm
Milnrow Cricket Club, Harbour Lane, Milnrow, Rochdale OL16 4HF
Wednesday 25 September 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Presentation Stephen Ball – Scotland Behind the Lens
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.
£2.50 for room fee
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 25 September 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Maria King piano (RNCM + Cunard Cruises) entertainer extraordinaire.
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 25 September 2024
Rock Choir Middleton - Sing with the nation’s leading adult choir - 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
Visit: http://www.rockchoir.com/
7.30pm - 9pm
Edgar Wood Academy, Heywood Old Road, Middleton, Heywood OL10 2QN
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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