Previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
PREVIEW BY STEVE COOKE
GREASE, THE SMASH-HIT MUSICAL, OPENS IN ROCHDALE THIS MAY!
Rochdale Musical Theatre Company (RMTC) are set to transform the iconic Champness Hall into Rydell High from 5th-13th May.
Grease The Musical follows RMTC’s hugely successful, award-winning productions of Legally Blonde The Musical in October 2021 and The Producers in May 2022.
For many years, the Champness Hall has been underused as a venue for the creative arts. Way back in the 1970s I remember seeing Ian Dury and Elvis Costello there! So, it is with great delight to see that RMTC are continuing to bring high class entertainment to our revitalised town centre.
With a talented cast, live orchestra and one of the most popular musical soundtracks of all time, RMTC'S high energy, all-singing, all-dancing production definitely isn't one to be missed!
Directed by Zac Grenier, with musical direction by Chris Addington and choreography by Nikki Cooke of Legacy Dance Academy, the production will truly showcase the incredible talent we have locally.
RMTC President, David Heaton, tells us:
“Our 2023 production celebrates Rochdale Musical Theatre Company’s 125th anniversary [founded in 1898 and formally known as Rochdale Amateur Operatic Society]. Thank you to the theatregoers of Rochdale for their support over the years and I hope to see you at our production of Grease, as we continue to bring live theatre back to the heart of Rochdale.
“I’d also like to thank the dedicated team of volunteers involved in this production and our sponsors Storage World, Rochdale Style Magazine and The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation.”
Tickets are selling incredibly fast for this electrifying production, which features all the classic hits such as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’” and “You’re The One That I Want.”
So, what are you waiting for? Get your family and friends together, grab your leather jackets and join RMTC for an unforgettable night at the theatre.
Grease runs from 5th - 13th May 2 at Champness Hall, Drake St, Rochdale.
Tickets £17.50, available now at: www.rochdalemtc.co.uk
Other enquiries (inc disabled/wheelchair access): 01706 643543.
Follow Rochdale MTC on social media to keep up to date with the latest news.
RMTC is a registered charity (no. 702053) and has raised over £50,000 for other local charities over the years.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Saturday 29 April - Sunday 30 April
RW Dance presents Bad, Boujee & Bashment
Saturday 28 April, 6.30pm
Sunday 30 April, 2pm
Bringing back some of them Old Skool bashment tracks with a sprinkle of badness and topped with some sassy Boujee moves.
As always RW Dance aim to put on an unbelievable dance show. So don’t forget your dancing shoes because this show will certainly get you on your feet!
Tickets from £9
Phone: Middleton Arena 0300 303 8633
Visit: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/rw-dance-presents-bad-b...
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG
Wednesday 03 May
Wednesday Art Group
The weekly Art Club will regularly explore a variety of topics using collage, drawing, painting, and mixed media drawing from Touchstones Rochdale’s current exhibitions and the borough’s collections. All materials will be provided.
The sessions are designed to reduce stress, build confidence, and meet others through creativity.
Creative Health and Well Being Ltd is a not-for-profit organisation based in Rochdale. They run art sessions that are informal and relaxed whilst ensuring the topics are informative and help participants to build skills.
Free
Visit: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/wednesday-art-club/
11am
Touchstones Gallery Rochdale, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AQ
Wednesday 03 May
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have Music from Richard Haslam guitar (Hull Univ & RNCM) (George Strickland piano for Rodrigo Concerto).
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