previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 24 AUGUST 2024
Common Ground - Rambling and our rights of way (LIVE THEATRE)
Preview by Steve Cooke
Join the Co-op Heritage Trust and MIKRON theatre on a 'hill-arious' ramble through the history of land access in England, from the Norman Conquest to the Mass Trespass of Kinder Scout.
2024 marks 180 year since the Rochdale Pioneers set up their membership society to use the values and principles to campaign for better opportunities for local people. The UK movement campaigned for the right to land to enhance the experiences of the working class - from growing ethically, to experiencing the health and wellbeing the countryside can bring.
The Pendale and District Ramblers are looking forward to celebrating 'in stile' on their 50th anniversary walk, but the path has been blocked by the landowner. How will they find their way through?
Their quest for freedom and fresh air won’t be easy, as they navigate bulls, beavers and wandering sheep - grab your walking boots and waterproofs* for a meander with MIKRON on a hike through history. *You won’t really need them on Toad Lane!
WRITER AND LYRICIST - Poppy Hollman, COMPOSER - Dan McGlade, DIRECTOR - Gitika Buttoo, MUSIC DIRECTOR & ARRANGER - Rebekah Hughes, SET & COSTUME DESIGNER - Celia Perkins
Ticketing - doesn't need to be pre-booked: This is a pay as you feel on the day show (it is NOT FREE), supported by the Co-op Heritage Trust for Rochdale and District.
Touch tours are available – just ask a member of the team when you arrive at a venue.
Toilet / Disabled Toilet at Venue, Accessible access from St Mary's Gate - email museum@heritagetrust.coop for advice or support
Taxi drop off zone - Hunter's Lane
Parking - Rochdale Exchange NCP (please don't attempt to park on Toad Lane)
SUNDAY 15th September 2024 - 15:00 to 17:00 includes interval
At St Mary's in the Baum Church on Toad Lane
Gary Delaney Kicked Off Rochdale's Feel Good Weekend with Laughter
Review by Steve Cooke
In keeping with our borough’s rapidly growing reputation as a hotbed of great comedy Rochdale Feel Good Festival kicked off at the Champness Hall with a night of laughter as Gary Delaney headlined a sold-out show organised by ‘Ace Lips Comedy’ with ‘what’s occurrin Rochdale’.
The evening began with the energetic Steve Shanyaski, whose witty set had the crowd laughing from start to finish. His humour and charisma set the tone for the night, ensuring everyone was in stitches.
Next up was Shazia Mirza, who brought her unique perspective as an Asian woman to the stage. Her insightful and hilarious take on life had the 400-strong audience rolling in the aisles with laughter.
Audience's favourite, Dave Twentyman, served as the compère for the night. His engaging and quick-witted interactions kept the energy high, and the audience thoroughly entertained throughout the evening.
A highlight of the night was, of course, Gary Delaney. Known for his one-liners, puns, and observational comedy, Gary had the crowd in the palm of his hand. His performance was a masterclass in comedy, leaving everyone laughing long after the show ended.
In addition to the fantastic entertainment, the night also had a charitable aspect. Thanks to the generosity of the audience, over £250 was collected for Springhill Hospice.
A great night at a local, iconic but sadly underused venue, showcasing the talent of some of the best comedians around and leaving the crowd feeling good.
Kudos to Ace Lips Comedy for putting on such a memorable show and a perfect way to kick off this year’s Rochdale Council Feel Good Weekend.
Two of Us - coming to HOME this September
Preview by Steve Cooke
What was said, the final time John Lennon and Paul McCartney met?
Six years after the bitter break up of The Beatles, Two of Us asks what happened when Paul pays John a visit in New York City - unannounced.
With a cast including Barry Sloane (The Sandman, Passenger) and Jay Johnson (Nowhere Boy, Boiling Point) Two of Us is the story of two musical legends meeting for the final time.
In 1976, tired of the spotlight, John Lennon chose to be a stay-at-home dad to his baby son, Sean.
Paul McCartney was number one all over the world with his new band, Wings, and about to embark on a global tour.
Once inseparable, both men were now worlds apart. Six years after the bitter break up of The Beatles, Paul paid a visit to John’s apartment in New York City – Unannounced - It would be the final time they EVER met.
Two of Us ruminates on what may have happened. Truths that may have been spoken and traumas that may have been shared. Their apologies and eulogies, what was said and what was left unsaid. It is the story of two working class boys who loved each other.
Thu 26 Sep – Sat 28 Sep
HOME Theatre 1, Thu 26 Sep19:30, Fri 27 Sep19:30, Sat 28 Sep 14:00, 19:30.
Tickets from £20
Box Office 0161 200 1500
email: info@homemcr.org.
2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
RECOMMENDED
Sunday 25 August 2024
Family fun day
Join us for lots of fun!
Bouncy castle, Hook-a-duck, Face painting, Variety of stalls, BBQ, Entertainment, Tombola and Yummy food.
Phone: 01706 248661 (option 1)
10.30am - 4pm
The Woodlands Cafe at Hollingworth Lake, Rakewood Road, Littleborough OL15 0AQ
Sunday 25 August 2024
Open mic night
Come and join us, everyone welcome.
Got a passion for: Music, Reading, Magic.
We want to support everyone who is up on the mic, bring your family, bring your friends and let’s have an amazing night.
FREE
Phone: Georgina Lee 07496 216516
7pm
Pionero Lounge, Riverside, Unit 21/21a, Town Centre, Rochdale OL16 1TR
Tuesday 27 August 2024
Taylormania
An award-winning extravaganza that plays tribute to one of the leading contemporary recording artists of our time.
Katy Ellis is a self-confessed ‘Swiftie’ with an incredible live band and dancers and promises to deliver the most authentic recreation of a Taylor Swift show you will ever see.
The show has already taken Swift fans across the world by storm and features all of Taylor’s much loved hits including Shake It Off, Blank Space, Love Story, You Belong With Me, Look What You Made Me Do, I Knew You Were Trouble and many, many more.
Tickets from £22.50
Phone: Middleton Arena 0300 303 8633
7.30pm
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG
Tuesday 27 August 2024
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 28 August 2024
Talk on the old mills of Littleborough by Iain Bowden
Iain is an excellent speaker and knows a lot about Littleborough and the surrounding areas. It should be an interesting talk on the old mills of Littleborough.
Free, but donations gratefully accepted.
Phone: Lynne Nield 01706 655094
7pm for 7.30pm start
St Andrews UR Church, Entwisle Road, Rochdale OL16 2HZ
Wednesday 28 August 2024
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Outdoor meeting – Bury Parish Church
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
Wednesday 28 August 2024
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Alison Burns cello and Jonathan Ellis piano (RNCM & Manchester University)
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.
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