previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 23 NOVEMBER 2024
An exhilarating Spring/Summer 2025 season at the Octagon to look forward to.
Preview by Steve Cooke
The Octagon Theatre have revealed their latest line-up set to entertain audiences next spring/summer, with an exhilarating programme of bold, adventurous and popular theatre.
A UK premiere, two acclaimed revivals, a literary classic, a comedy-caper adaptation of an iconic thriller, a gothic classic, a new John Godber comedy and a Dickensian festive classic make up this jam-packed programme.
The season opens with the return of the Octagon’s 2024 acclaimed production of ANIMAL FARM directed by Iqbal Khan (Wed 22 January – Sat 1 February). Orwell’s enduring and devastating satire about the animal rebellion on Manor Farm returns to the Octagon for a limited run due to phenomenal demand, before embarking on a UK tour.
Then, in the second revival of the season, Mina Anwar reprises the title role in Willy Russell’s heart-warming comedy SHIRLEY VALENTINE (Fri 7 February – Sat 8 March 2025), following her critically acclaimed, sell-out performance in the Octagon’s 2020production. Octagon Artistic Director Lotte Wakeham directs this beloved Northern comedy, that sees bored, stuck-in-a-rut housewife Shirley leave her hometown, husband and old life behind as she rediscovers herself on a holiday to Greece. The show opens at the Octagon before going on a Lancashire tour.
The Octagon then present a compelling new production of John Steinbeck’s OF MICE AND MEN (Wed 26 March – Sat 12 April 2025). Sarah Brigham directs this classic tale of friendship and hope about two drifters, Lennie and George during the Great Depression who dream of living the great American dream. That dream comes crashing down and their friendship is put to the ultimate test as the play explores its themes of friendship, migration and prejudice in this must-see co-production with Derby Theatre, Hull Truck Theatre and Theatre by the Lake.
Next up is a brilliantly bonkers and hilarious adaptation of Alfred Hitchcock’s iconic thriller, THE 39 STEPS (Wed 16 April – Sat 10 May) in a co-production with Wiltshire Creative and Mercury Theatre Colchester. Follow Richard Hannay on a thrilling escapade adventure filled with daring antics, romantic encounters and ghastly murders in a new production of this Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy.
The season continues with the UK premiere production of Jane Austen’s most iconic love story, in a vibrant new adaptation of PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (Thu 5 – Sat 28 June) adapted by award-winning playwright Kate Hamill and directed by Octagon’s Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham. A co-production with Stephen Joseph Theatre and Theatre by the Lake, this witty stage adaptation brings to life the classic story of love, misunderstandings, and second chances where audiences will be swept up in the era of high society, Regency parties and courtship.
The Octagon also announce their festive title for 2025 which will be a joyful musical stage adaptation of the favourite Dickensian classic, A CHRISTMAS CAROL (Thu 13 November 2025 – Sat 10 Jan 2026). Join old miser Ebenezer Scrooge on a festive adventure through yuletides past, present and future in this heart-warming and uplifting tale of redemption. This will be a new production of the musical adapted for the stage by Kate Ferguson and Susannah Pearse based on the classic novel by Charles Dickens.
Octagon Artistic Director, Lotte Wakeham commented:
“Our new season really has something on offer for everyone to enjoy. We know Octagon audiences love adaptations of novels and classic films, so we are thrilled to have an array of unmissable productions, including stories from some of literature’s most beloved authors. I’m particularly excited to be directing the UK premiere of award-winning playwright Kate Hamill’s brilliant adaptation of Pride and Prejudice.”
“Two of our sell-out productions from recent years – Animal Farm and Shirley Valentine – are also making a welcome return to our stage, and I am delighted that our audiences get to see them first, before they embark on tours across the UK.”
“We have also got some of the biggest touring shows from across the country coming to Bolton from hilarious comedy to powerful drama to sensational music tributes.”
“We pride ourselves on offering our audiences unrivalled theatrical experiences and I’m confident that we have a real variety of top quality entertainment for everyone to enjoy this spring and summer.”
The best way to see shows is with the Octagon’s Season Saver packages – with audiences getting the best seats at the best prices, saving up to 20% off tickets. Tickets for the new season are on general sale.
Octagon Theatre, Howell Croft South, Bolton BL1 1SB
Visit: octagonbolton.co.uk
Phone: 01204 520661
Become an Octagon Member and get exclusive priority booking access as well as bigger savings on Season Saver packages and other discounts. Priority booking for Members is now open .
Two much-loved Rochdale-based music groups at TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Two much-loved Rochdale-based music groups shared a platform for the first time in concert in the impressive setting of St Aidan’s Church. The near capacity audience seemed to justify the 3 pm start on a Saturday afternoon and their sustained applause demonstrated their approval of the project.
The Northern Baroque Orchestra (founded 1985) is a chamber orchestra of both professional and amateur musicians, predominately string players, specialising in music from the Baroque and early Classical eras. Today’s guest conductor was Paul Witkiewicz. The delightful Divertimento in F, (commonly called Sleigh Ride) by Leopold Mozart set the scene for the festive season, complete with sleigh bells, reinforced by Corelli’s Concerto Grosso Op 6 No 8 (Christmas Concerto). Leader, Andrew Rostron was also the violin soloist in a vigorous performance of Winter from the Four Seasons by Vivaldi, with some outstanding solo work and tightly disciplined shivering from the ensemble.
They were joined in the second half with The Nightingale Singers for Handel’s great chorus from Messiah, And the glory of the Lord, which was certainly glorious. The voices buoyed up with strings and harpsichord sound brought this Baroque masterpiece to life.
Originally formed in 1987 the choir has been under the experienced direction of Ken Greaves for the last twenty years and has past and present members of the Halle Choir and former professional singers in its ranks. In the rest of the concert, they were expertly accompanied at the piano by J Edward Rigg.
Their selection was typical of the eclectic repertoire in which they revel: from extracts of Handel, Bach, and Brahms’s Requiem; Stanford’s beautiful part song Bluebird to Forty-Second Street; and Binge’s Elizabethan Serenade to Howard Goodall’s theme for the Vicar of Dibley.
St Aidan’s Church proved an admirable setting for their enthusiastic and joyful music-making.
The logistics of gathering so many musicians together is in itself impressive. An exercise that deserves to be seen again.
Help keep these local groups going, as audiences as well as performers: contact
· The Nightingale Singers - to host a Nightingale concert, or join the choir, Ken is contactable at kcgreaves1@gmail.com
· Northern Baroque Orchestra see www.northernbaroque.org.uk
ROYAL EXCHANGE THEATRE COLLECTIVE
Preview by Steve Cooke
Royal Exchange Theatre’s Collective is a great opportunity for those aged 14 – 25 who are interested in Performing, Directing, Producing, Marketing or Designing for Theatre. A year-long membership will give you access to free workshops, events and opportunities, or if you want to book workshops individually you can pay as you go from £10.
If you are 14 – 25, you can become a collective member and join a growing network of young creatives in Greater Manchester.
A Collective membership will give you: access to workshops and discounted projects, unique, special offers and discounted tickets, the opportunity to join VIP guests for press night – a limited number of press night tickets will be available on a first come first served basis, a digital newsletter with creative opportunities, events and news, performance opportunities, 20% off at Rivals Café and Bar.
Memberships are £80 per year.
Need Arts Pot support? Apply here. https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=XmJIG8SpuUOaQgkxIs9J2tkCuTmUwZJMiN-NcwMeEIpUMUlPV0tHOFExT0hGUTExWDNZVFJFSEZOWC4u&route=shorturl to purchase a membership.
Coming up in Spring Term (January – March 2025) - The Role of the Director in a Rehearsal Room, Intro to Dramaturgy, Costume Project, Audition Prep, Stage Management, Panel & Social
Coming up in Summer Term (April – July 2025) - How to Get Funded, Writing course, Directing: How to get the most out of your R&D, Channelling Emotion in your Performance, Wigs, Hair & Make Up, Lighting Design, Physical Theatre/Ensemble.
RECOMMENDED
Saturday 23 November 2024 - Sunday 24 November 2024
Wizarding weekend - Alkrington Village Craft Market
Pop along and support your local small businesses and community.
With over 30 stalls we have a fantastic range of brilliant crafters selling their handmade and unique crafts not available on the high street.
Hot food and refreshments available.
We have free customer parking outside Alkrington Community Centre, plus additional parking outside Tesco Mainway Alkrington.
Everyone welcome, see you soon.
Free
Phone: Lee Yates 07807 457 703
11am - 4pm
Alkrington Community Centre, Hardfield Road, Alkrington, Middleton M24 1TQ
Sunday 24 November 2024
Springhill Hospice Christmas Fair
One of Rochdale's biggest festive fairs. Guaranteed fun for the whole family.
Our biggest public event of the year-guaranteed to get you in the festive spirit.
Over 50 stalls
DJ
Entertainment
Santa’s grotto
Stall enquiries will open in October.
Free
Phone: Jo Ali 01706 641790
11am
Kingsway Park High School, Turf Hill Road, Rochdale OL16 4XA
Sunday 24 November 2024
Christmas lights switch-on
The countdown to Christmas begins in Rochdale the return of an extended version of the spectacular Ignite Fire Festival leading up to the festive lights switch-on.
Father Christmas and his special guests, including the Mayor of Rochdale Councillor Shakil Ahmed will officially switch-on the lights at 5.30pm on Sunday, 24 November 2024 in front of the town hall after the traditional countdown, whilst the Ignite Fire Festival continues until 8pm.
Ignite is organised by Rochdale Borough Council in partnership with Walk the Plank and Culture Co-op, a ‘Creative People and Places’ programme, funded by Arts Council England.
Free
5.30pm
Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Town Centre
Rochdale
OL16 1AZ
Sunday 24 November 2024
Hare Hill House Christmas Market
Hare Hill House's Seasonal Market is holding its Christmas Market with stalls inside and outside the house.
These are all local small business's selling food, Christmas gifts, toys, clothes, household products and lots more.
There's also a refreshment area and Bloom Music Community with their brilliant local brass band playing us out to the start of the festive season with Christmas Carols.
Set in the beautiful award winning Hare Hill Park it's a great afternoon for all the family.
Free
Phone: Hare Hill House
07511 068177
11.00am - 3.00pm
Hare Hill House, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough, Rochdale OL15 9HE
Monday 25 November 2024
Grandparent Storytime
Calling all 0 to 5 year olds and their grown-ups to come and listen to stories read by Grandparents who will bring the story to life for the children in our communities.
If you are interested in volunteering for a story-time role, please see a member of staff or visit www.rochdale.gov.uk/libraries/library-volunteers
Free
Phone: Tracey Tomlinson 07356 182030
10am to 11am
Langley Library, Langley Children's Centre, Windemere Road, Manchester M24 4LA
Tuesday 26 November 2024
Lunchtime Concerts: The Nightingale Singers.
The Coach House in Littleborough arranges a series of Lunchtime Concerts on the last Tuesday of every month throughout the year (excluding December) and these have proved to be very popular.
Each concert commences at 1pm and there is no need to reserve a seat in advance.
£5 per person (payable on the door)
Phone: Littleborough Coach House 01706 378481
1pm
Littleborough Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough OL15 9AE
Tuesday 26 November 2024
Rochdale & District Camera Club
Session: Club Annual General Meeting.
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 2024 syllabus.
Phone: Pete Williams 07967 969136
8pm
Syke Methodist Church Hall, Syke Road, Rochdale OL12 9TF
Wednesday 27 November 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - An Eastern European Odyssey - The River Danube from its Delta to Budapest – Andrew Hardwick
We meet every Wednesday.
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
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
The door is kept locked so please ring the bell on arrival.
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 27 November 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Nina Savicevic piano (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 27 November 2024
Art Group
Interested in art?
Why not come along and meet like-minded individuals, meeting each week to paint, draw, watch demos, etc.
Bring along your own artwork and join us. We are a very friendly group .
We are beginners up to very experienced artists who enjoy the sociability of meeting up and helping each other.
All abilities welcome.
Weekly programme of topics and events.
£1.00 weekly subs
Phone: Veronica Swinden 01706 640567
Visit: http://rochdaleartists.com
10.45am to 12.45pm
Castleton Library and Community Centre, 604 Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.