FIRST COLUMN OF 2026 SATURDAY 3 JANUARY
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 3 days ago
- 11 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
WEEKEND COLUMN SATURDAY 3 JANUARY 2026
Previews: OMD plus special guests at Rochdale Town Hall Square, Rochdale to come alive after dark with immersive storytelling experience and The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME
Review: An Aussie Rover’s Return to Blighty for TLC with a local cultural hero.
An Aussie Rover’s Return to Blighty for TLC with a local cultural hero.
Review by Steve Cooke
The last TLC of 2025 was a double celebration as baritone Aussie Rover Alfred Anderson returned and our very own champion of music and the arts and on this occasion pianist Dr Joe Dawson made an all too rare performance as Alfred’s accompanist.
The first half of the recital thrilled the audience as these two formed a partnership that brought the very best out of a well-balanced set of songs from the classical repertoire and musicals plus a nineteenth century American hymn and Italian opera.
The interlude will never be forgotten by those fortunate enough to be in the audience at St Mary in the Baum as Dr Joe Dawson performed his improvised piano solo ‘Alf’s Medley’.
The rest of the recital continued with an expertly selected and brilliantly performed collection of songs from the sacred to the music hall culminating in that rousing song from Carousel that has been appropriated by soccer fans of certain clubs north and south of the border.
Thus, Saith the Lord (Messiah) – Handel, Scarlet Ribbons – Danzic, Miss Hooligan’s Christmas Cake - Broadside, 1883, You’ll Never Walk Alone (Carousel) - Rodgers & Hammerstein.
2025 at TLC brought to a close with a well-attended recital, a highly appreciative audience that included many of Dr Joe’s old singing colleagues from back in the day.
Alfred Anderson baritone is proud to be known in Australia as an authentic English baritone.
When he moved to Melbourne in 2012, he soon became involved in the music scene, joining the Victoria Gilbert & Sullivan Society and taking lead roles in Trial by Jury, Iolanthe, Pirates of Penzance and others.
He also sang Colonel Lester in Victor Herbert’s opera, ‘Eileen’ a story of romance, rebellion and a free Ireland.
Alfred sang with augmented choirs including the Diamond Valley Singers and other ensembles. He also performed in small intimate groups one of which was a production of Ivor Novello’s music entitles ‘The Novello Years.
He duly won two solo sections in the Diamond Valley Eisteddfod in 2015, the prize being the opportunity to perform a solo recital in Winchelsea Northern Victoria. He received a warm welcome and was invited back to a return concert.
Alfred started singing as a choirboy in Milnrow, going on to sing in G & S productions, church music and singing festivals. As a young baritone in 1963 he took part in the first Rochdale Youth Music Festival.
Accompanist Dr Joe Dawson went to Rochdale Grammar School, was an initial violinist of Rochdale Youth Orchestra and in 1968 was voted the Outstanding Competitor of the Rochdale Youth Music Festival. He was self-taught in singing and piano when he was accepted at the Royal Manchester College of Music in 1968, where he studied for four years with Joseph Ward OBE. He later qualified as a teacher and went on to gain other external qualifications. In 1975 he became Head of Music at Balderstone Community School where in 1980 he founded Rochdale Amateur Orchestra; in 1982 elected FRSA (becoming Life Fellow in 2025). In 1983 whilst at Balderstone he was granted a sabbatical at Manchester University to study for MEd (Aesthetics); 1984 moved to the FE colleges to establish performing arts, becoming HoD Director of Curriculum at Rochdale College of Arts & Design in 1988 (subsumed within Hopwood Hall College from 1990). Alongside this, he was Music Correspondent to the Rochdale Observer Series 1988-2008, freelancing from then to the present day.
In 1994 he had to retire through ill-health. After four years recovery and the premature loss of his wife of 25 years, Jeanette, in 1999, he returned to his alma mater (then become RNCM) one year p/t for CT-ABRSM whilst establishing a flourishing private practice, continuing until 2021; concurrently, from 2001 was volunteer series director of Rochdale Music at Lunchtime at St Mary in the Baum to the present day. Meanwhile, by way of distraction from Music and insomnia he gained BA Hons (1st class hons) in English and Law and MA (Distinction) in English with the Open University in his sixties.
OMD plus special guests at Rochdale Town Hall Square
Preview by Steve Cooke
Another exciting event to look forward to in 2026 especially for those with a soft spot for the 80’s music scene as OMD [Orchestral Manoeuvrers in the Dark] as the Synth-pop announce headline show at Rochdale Town Hall Square.
The band will be returning to where it all began as the pioneering duo who recorded their debut single in the town
OMD’s acclaimed ‘Summer of Hits’ tour will be at Rochdale Town Hall Square on Friday 7 August 2026, alongside special guests - post-punk legends Peter Hook & The Light, and Manchester’s post-punk/funk band - A Certain Ratio.
With a career spanning more than four decades, over 40 million records sold worldwide, and 18 top 40 hits, OMD are one of Britain’s best-loved and most influential pop groups. In 1979, they famously recorded the single ‘Electricity’ at Cargo Studios in Rochdale. Genre-defining hits followed, including Enola Gay, Maid of Orleans, Souvenir, and If You Leave, propelling them into the stratosphere and shaping the musical landscape of the 1980s.
Following 40th anniversary celebrations, they returned in 2023 with Bauhaus Staircase, their first studio album in six years. The record received widespread critical acclaim and marked a creative resurgence for the band who went on to play their biggest UK tour, culminating in their largest London show to date at the O2. US touring followed with spectacular performances at LA’s Dark Wave and Cruel World festivals, and sold-out nights at the Greek Theatre.
OMD’s live shows are packed with energy, nostalgia and synth-driven brilliance and they are promising a night of dancing and timeless hits when they return to Rochdale and headline one of the north’s most spectacular heritage venues which has recently undergone a multi-million-pound revamp.
Joining OMD at the iconic location will be Peter Hook and The Light, the powerhouse post-punk band fronted by Joy Division and New Order co-founder Peter Hook, who also recorded at Cargo Studios, cementing Rochdale's crucial role in the post-punk and electronic music scene. They’ll be playing a career-spanning set including seminal tracks from the rich back catalogue of Joy Division and New Order.
Opening the evening will be Manchester’s post-punk/funk band A Certain Ratio. Formed in the late 1970s and signed to Tony Wilson’s Factory Records they too recorded at Cargo Studios in Rochdale. Their latest album was released in 2020, and the band are recognised as one of the first exponents of punk-funk, fusing the energy and aggression of punk rock with the rhythms and musicianship of funk and soul.
Staged in partnership with Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency the special show is part of ‘Rochdale Music Stories’ - a campaign launched in October as part of the town’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, to shine a spotlight on Rochdale’s longstanding influence on British music whilst promoting the next wave of talent.
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We’re so excited to welcome these trailblazing bands for what will be an amazing evening packed with iconic hits. Our beautifully restored town hall square is a fabulous location, and this concert will be a wonderful showcase for the town, attracting thousands of music fans for an unforgettable weekend, followed on the Saturday by Rochdale Feel Good Festival. I urge you to book your tickets and bring your dancing shoes in August!”
Tickets (£55 + booking fee) are on sale at t quaytickets.com and rochdale.gov.uk/YourEvents.
Friday, 7 August 2026
Rochdale Town Hall Square, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1LL
Rochdale to come alive after dark with immersive storytelling experience
Preview by Steve Cooke
Yet another stunning work of creativity to be eagerly anticipated in 2026 as Rochdale’s streets will be transformed into an immersive nighttime light and audio experience this winter, as Stories We Tell: Rochdale invites residents and visitors to explore the borough through the real memories, voices and lived experiences of local people.
Running from Wednesday 28 January to Friday 6 February 2026, the free, guided audio walk will use large-scale projections, moving imagery and powerful 3D sound to animate buildings and streets, including Milkstone Road, Drake Street, Baillie Street and Rochdale Town Hall Square. Audiences will take a journey through town after dark, encountering stories of belonging, change and hope, gathered directly from local communities.
Commissioned as part of Rochdale’s year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture, the project is supported by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Development Agency, with funding provided through the Community Regeneration Partnership from the UK Government and supported by Arts Council England.
Produced by the outstanding Rochdale-based multidisciplinary production company Breaking Barriers, Stories We Tell: Rochdale returns four years after its original debut in Deeplish. This new edition promises to reflect on what has changed, what has remained, and the stories that continue to shape Rochdale’s identity. Built from real stories, archival images, video and audio recordings shared by residents, the experience re-imagines familiar streets in new and unexpected ways through immersive storytelling.
“Rochdale is one of those places I always want to come back to,” said Hayley Garner, street mural artist who contributed to the project. “Stories We Tell: Rochdale will be a powerful way to honour our past, celebrate the present and keep the stories of our community alive for future generations.”
The project is supported by emerging creative talent from the Young Company, including Holly Copping, assistant producer; Jordan Sheard, assistant production manager; Hope Chiguvo, assistant sound designer; Hannah Thomas-Byrne, assistant filmmaker; and Saleem Miah, assistant director.
Parvez Qadir, Artistic Director of Breaking Barriers, added: “Bringing Stories We Tell back to Rochdale as part of this special year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture is hugely significant. Rochdale has long been an underserved community, and this is an opportunity to shift the narrative. This project was born here, shaped by local people, and rooted in everyday stories that make this place extraordinary. It hands the microphone back to residents and shines a light on the rich creative diversity and resilience that has always existed in this town.”
Councillor Sue Smith, cabinet member for communities and co-operation said: “Following an incredible nine months there’s lots more to come during our Greater Manchester Town of Culture programme as we move into 2026, and this new storytelling experience will be one of the real highlights, a unique experience for those lucky enough to grab the free tickets. Wrap up warm and prepare to be amazed. I’ve heard so much positive feedback from people who have attended previous Breaking Barriers experiences, and we are pleased to be working with them on their latest project in Rochdale.”
The route is step-free and suitable for wheelchair users and prams, with headphones provided and trained volunteers on hand to guide audiences throughout the experience, ensuring it is accessible and welcoming to a wide range of participants.
Two performances will be held nightly at 6pm and 7.30pm from Wednesday 28 to Saturday 31 January 2026, and from Tuesday 3 to Friday 6 February 2026, in Rochdale, starting at the Rochdale Train Station and ending at Rochdale Town Hall. The event is free to attend, but booking is essential.
Book free tickets and watch trailer here: https://breakingbarriersrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/?utm_source=PR&utm_medium=Digital&utm_campaign=SWT
The Lightning Thief - The Percy Jackson Musical at HOME
Preview by Steve Cooke
When 16 year old Percy Jackson discovers that he is the half-blood son of the Greek God, Poseidon, his life takes a dramatic turn as he is plunged into a world much bigger than he could possibly have imagined.
With newly-discovered powers he can’t control, a destiny he doesn’t want and a whole mythology textbook’s worth of mythical monsters on his tail, Percy must learn what it means to be a hero.
The future of the world hangs in the balance as Percy and his friends embark on an epic adventure that will have you on the edge of your seat.
Over the past 20 years, Percy Jackson has become a worldwide phenomenon. First there was the best-selling series of books, then two incredible films and a Disney TV series. Now the adventures of Percy Jackson will burst onto the stage at HOME. It’s the perfect adventure for gods and mortals of all ages with a gripping story that shows that ‘normal’ really is a myth!
Recommended age 8+
Running time approx. 2.5 hours (including interval)
Box Office 0161 200 1500
Restaurant 0161 212 3500
For general queries, please email: info@homemcr.org
Wednesday 11 February - Saturday 21 February 2026
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN.
RECOMMENDED
Monday, 5 January 2026
Wardle Library Reading Group
1st Monday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss new books with other readers at our free, friendly and informal monthly meetings.
For adults and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
Free
6pm - 7pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Heywood Scribblers - Heywood Library
First Wednesday of every month. Free, friendly creative writing sessions. Poetry and story-writing workshops. All abilities welcome, whether you're new to writing or a seasoned writer.
For adults, families and teenagers.
No need to book, you can just drop in.
Free
1.15pm - 3.15pm
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Wednesday, 7 January 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - More than Melody Ladies Choir The concert series has been held at St Mary’s since 2001 and was granted the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2020.
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
Thursday, 8 January 2026
Visit Fireground Museum
Join us at Fireground this week to discover Greater Manchester's firefighting story.
Fire museum attractions are on show inside the museum including our collection of historic firefighting artefacts from the 18th century to present day, plus home-made refreshments in the new Fireground Café, and souvenirs from our fantastic new gift shop! We have a wide choice ranging from toddler to collector.
Under 4s Free, Children (aged 4-15) £6, Seniors £6, Students £6, Adults £8, Family (4 people) £24.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Visit: https://www.fireground.org.uk/ Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Saturday, 10 January 2026
Notes from College Bank - Book Launch and Exhibition
Ellie brings together work collected and made so far as part of the on-going project that looks to document the social and historical significance of the College Bank buildings in Rochdale, Greater Manchester. The project, photo book and exhibition feature photographs from her grandad's archive - M.J.Burgess, documenting Rochdale in 1970-80's.
The book launch offers an opportunity to meet the artist, learn more about the project, and purchase one of the limited-edition, hand-bound photo books. Proceeds from all book sales will be donated to Prostate Cancer UK and will also help fund the next chapter of the project: the creation of a community-led archive in the centre of Rochdale.
Free / Pay What You Want
14:00
Ebor Studio , William Street , Littleborough , OL15 8JP
Saturday, 10 January 2026
The ultimate celebration concert to one of the most iconic and best-selling artists of all time.
Robert Schmuck (Billy The Kid) and his amazing seven-piece band perform breath-taking musical arrangements of multi-million selling songs such as My Life, Uptown Girl, River Of Dreams, Tell Her About It, Still Rock ‘n’ Roll To Me, An Innocent Man, Movin’ Out, Just The Way You Are, We Didn’t Start The Fire, Piano Man, The Longest Time and many, many more, it’s a non-stop hits show!
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_khr5kSLAus
Duration: 2h
Tickets from £26.78 (inc. £1.28 cmsn)
19:30
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester, M24 1AG
Accessible viewing platform / area
Wheel chair / pram accessible
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.