MIDWEEK COLUMN 27 AUGUST 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Aug 27
- 8 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 27 AUGUST 2025
Elevation a personal perspective
By Matthew Haigh
Rochdale, one of England’s many northern towns yet so many stories and places of interest lie here. Elevation grips both and spins a narrative of which captures Blackstone Edge’s natural beauty alongside a gaze into Rochdalian culture and its people. Through personification, Blackstone edge adopts the voice of a northern woman as she and many others describe Rochdale’s rich past and inspiring people.
The first noteworthy aspect of Elevation that must be mentioned is the breath-taking view of the borough from Blackstone edge. This vantage point made Rochdale’s less than flattering reputation when it comes to its aesthetics look picturesque alongside the backdrop of the electric jungle. This event running late also affords it some opportunities in which a sunset gets mixed in to the painting on this stunning concrete canvas. One of the focuses of Elevation, though, is the artificial landmark of The Seven Sisters flats.
These pillars of Rochdalian ingenuity are the focus of many that look at Rochdale retrospectively in terms of its past. Here, the focus is on the people and community within the Seven Sisters: or the lack thereof in this case. A true tragedy that the state of the Seven Sisters is as such as they had the potential to be a great living space for a large community to grow but instead the place has grown to reflect the current respect given to it.
However, nature was also a large aspect of this short walk. This was such to an extent that at around the halfway mark of the journey, we were asked to take a seat on one of the many chairs set up by the tour guides and take our headphones off. This brought with it a sense of shock, but in a positive way. A shock of amazement if you will. Being able to sit in silence to listen to natures melodies generated such a soothing and refreshing feeling from within. From this, we moved on to a rocky area in which a woman described to us the effects nature had on her as we returned to the audio.
We were treated to stunning scenery while listening to a description of how nature and being around Blackstone edge makes the speaker feel. Here, her problems and anxieties of the present and future all seemed to fade away, like she had deserted her issues in the borough below. She felt like everything was going to be alright. Being in natures cradling kindness, I also began to feel this way.
Overall, Elevation was a great experience and one I would heavily recommend should it ever return. The balance created between marvelling at nature and at artificial structures was great for appreciating the entire world around us; never has concrete and steel pylons looked so elegant in natures embrace. Also, I can vouch for the quality of this event to a great extent as I have experienced this twice. If you recall from my article on Breaking Barriers’ Producers Week, I mentioned this event and I can say that the second time was greater than the first.
CANAL STREET LONELY HEARTS CLUB AT HOPE MILL THEATRE
Preview by Steve Cooke
Canal Street Lonely Hearts Club is coming to Hope Mill this September from the company that has previously brought Absolute Certainty? Jump and Qweer Shorts.
Jonathan Harvey's acclaimed 90s play, Rupert Street Lonely Hearts Club, has had a Canal Street glow up for 2025.
Filled with Harvey's trademark caustic wit, the action has shifted from 90s London to modern day Manchester - delving into the dysfunctional relationship of two brothers and their somewhat eclectic group of acquaintances.
Dean is in love with Marti, who doesn’t know how to love. Shaun is in love with Ju-liet, who has upped and left the country. Meanwhile, George is in love her ex, and Clarine is just… well, nobody quite knows. Welcome to Canal Street Lonely Hearts Club!
Get ready for a chaotic, ‘gut-wrenching’ (The Independent) night. Filled with his trademark caustic wit, Jonathan Harvey’s classic 90s play has relocated from its original London location to modern day Manchester – Canal Street Lonely Hearts Club delves into the dysfunctional relationship of two brothers – one gay, one straight – and their somewhat eclectic group of acquaintances.
Cast: Dean - Nick Collier (Ella Vaday), Marti - Cameron Mckendrick , Shaun - James Spragu, George - Riah Amelle , Clarine - Lucy Hilton-Jones.
Suitable for ages 14 and over - Talk of sex, drug use & mental health issues.
£12 - £21 plus £1.50 booking fee
Phone: 0161 275 9141
3rd – 14th September
Hope Mill Theatre, 113 Pollard St, Manchester, M4 7JA
mif soundcheck call out for local young musicians
Preview by Steve Cooke
A call out for local young musicians aged 18-29* and living in Greater Manchester who want to take more risks in their music making such as improvising.
*Please note, you can apply to Soundcheck if you’re aged 18 – 29 as of 4th October 2025, but they especially welcome applications from those aged between 18 – 25.
mjf soundcheck is for musicians who want space to try out new things and be supported to grow creatively. The process is simple – you apply with a musical idea that you want to develop, and they help you to do that, through 1-1 meetings, pairing you with a brilliant artist mentor, introducing you to inspiring industry professionals, providing you with a tailored recommended playlist and encouraging you to meet other musicians.
Over eight weeks, you’ll identify and transform your musical insecurities, unleash your hidden ambitions and hone your creative style. By the end of the programme, you’ll showcase a short new piece of music that reflects your learning – and it might even surprise you!
“Soundcheck has inspired me to make new connections, challenge myself, make music in different ways and to generally believe in myself more as a musician.”
You don’t have to have studied music before, and they’d love it if jazz or improvisation is entirely new to you.
In previous rounds they have worked with a pop/folk singer-songwriter with no background in jazz but had an interest in using jazz harmony in their songs, a punk artist who wanted to try making music all by themselves for the first time, a metal bassist, a producer, and a singer who wanted to try improvising. Previous artists have gone on to perform at mjf events, release full albums, form new collaborations with fellow participants, and meet their artistic heroes!
“I learned to stick to my unique musical values and not adhere to what other people think is normal/what I should be making.”
If you have access needs or require materials in alternative formats, just ask!
Visit https://manchesterjazz.com/talent-development-faqs/ to check out FAQs page to make sure Soundcheck is right for you. It could be that you’re more suited to hothouse – so read both and if you’re still unsure, email talent@manchesterjazz.com
Visit: https://manchesterjazz.com/our-artists-schemes/soundcheck/ to find out more.
Deadline: 15th September, 9 am.
Visit: https://manchesterjazz.com/mjf-soundcheck-application/ to apply.
The diary of a Jazz Broadcaster
By Steve Bewick
It’s been a busy few weeks for me lately and more to come as the August Bank holiday weekend looms large on my list.
I had the opportunity to attend a CD launch recently, Triangles, in Manchester by two collaborating musicians whose work has fascinated me for some time now. Olivia Moore and Adam Fairhall exploring the music of the Appalachian mountains and Indian Ragas.
My weekly jazz broadcast Hot Biscuits, had its first three way meeting to welcome Dr Alan Musson to the team of presenters. Alan has his own programme, Jazz Kaleidoscope with Sanctuary radio in the West Midlands.
A drive into the Ribble Valley recently to sample their jazz delights with lunch at Maxwell's Cafe Bar, Clitheroe. A duo of Julian Gregory (Bass) and Ken Marley (violin). Good food, music and atmosphere.
The August bank holiday weekend takes me to Fishguard Jazz & Blues Festival 2025. In its 7th year now, it brings together some of the best J&B bands of Wales. In a fine coastal location. I have the pleasure of presenting two sets of music, one covering the influences of Miles Davis upon Jazz musicians past and present, and a second preceding a Bessie Smith gig highlighting the influences upon and contemporaries of the Empress of the Blues.
Now where did I put that bucket and spade!?
Steve Bewick, Freelance Jazz Broadcaster,
HoT BiscuitS - Internet Jazz Podcast,
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 27 August 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Callum Bisson piano (Chetham’s & 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.
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, 28 August 2025
Alternate Thursdays. Come and listen to stories read in English and other languages such as Urdu, Arabic, French and Slovakian. Join in with crafts related to the story afterwards.
For families with children aged 5 and under.
Free
12pm - 1.30pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Thursday 28 August 2025
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
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Friday, 29 August 2025
Come and join us for a Summer Reading Challenge, Story Garden-themed story and sing along.
For families with children aged 4.
You can just drop in. However, places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Free
10.45am - 11.45am
Langley Library, Windermere Road, Middleton M24 4LA
Friday, 29 August 2025
It's Enchanted Forest week across Rochdale Borough Libraries and there are plenty of activities taking place for families to enjoy.
The Holiday Hive will be making a mix of dream catchers, gnome homes, fairy gardens and fantasy passports.
And, if you haven’t already, don’t forget to sign up for the free Summer Reading Challenge.
Best for children aged 3–14. Young children must have a supervising adult with them.
You can just come along.
Free
9.30am - 11.30am
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Friday 29 August 2025
Thank ABBA For The Music
Grab your platforms and flares for a journey back in time to when ABBA dominated the charts and ruled the airwaves. Thank ABBA For The Music is an epic two-hour ABBA-fest that captures all of the magic and excitement of one of pop history’s most phenomenal bands.
Expect all of ABBA’s iconic hits including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Super Trouper, Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! SOS, Waterloo, Take A Chance On Me, Voulez-Vous and many more!
Featuring a dynamic cast of outstanding singers, dazzling choreography and interactive video projection – early booking is advised for what promises to be a high-octane extravaganza for ABBA-lovers everywhere.
As always ABBA and 70s fancy dress is optional…but encouraged!
Watch the trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tSwDJY0TyH4
Tickets from £24.00
Visit: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/thank-abba-for-the-music-2/book/?instance=450202
Doors open: 6:45pm
7:30pm [2h 30m]
Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG
Saturday, 30 August 2025
Every other Saturday. Join our free club and get creative with Lego.
For families with children aged 2 years and above. Lego club sessions are aimed at children aged 5–12 and their parents or carers. Duplo is available for younger children.
Each session, the children will be given a theme, followed by time to let their imaginations run wild and build.
Free, you can just come along.
11am - 12pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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