previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 05 JULY 2023
MIF23 THEY – MAXINE PEAKE
PREVIEW By Steve Cooke
Factory International is staging for the world premiere of They, a new adaptation of Kay Dick’s rediscovered masterpiece adapted by Maxine Peake, Sarah Frankcom, and Imogen Knight. The production will run from 5 - 9 July as part of Manchester International Festival.
Imagine a near-future where creative expression is outlawed, all art eradicated and any resistance takes enormous courage. Would it be enough to go on quietly creating for yourself? To memorise your favourite passages before all books disappear. What is art without an audience or a debate?
For MIF23, Kay Dick’s dystopian masterpiece They: A Sequence of Unease, is brought to life as a live performance created by Maxine Peake, Sarah Frankcom, and Imogen Knight. First published in 1977, the novel went out of print for decades but was recently re-discovered and feels more relevant than ever. Step through the doors of the iconic John Rylands Library, and into a dystopian world – as Maxine performs an afterhours reading of, They.
The adaptation is their latest Festival collaboration, following The Masque of Anarchy, The Skriker and The Nico Project, which celebrated radical acts and artists. They marks the trio’s first production as the newly-formed company MAAT – a collective adventure to make new work in conversation with Music, Art, Activism and Theatre.
Maxine Peake, Sarah Frankcom, Imogen Knight said: “In a climate of escalating culture wars, the erosion of Arts in education and a continuing political disregard for the value of creativity in building a fair society, They speaks truth to power. It celebrates the importance of making art as a means of survival and resistance and rich inspiration to make something for the times we find ourselves in right now.”
Manchester International Festival runs from 29 June - 16 July https://factoryinternational.org/.
They
5 - 9 July 2023
John Rylands Library, 150 Deansgate, Manchester, M3 3EH
Tickets from £15
Kay Dick - Original Writer
Maxine Peake, Sarah Frankcom, and Imogen Knight - Adaptation
Commissioned and produced by Factory International for Manchester International Festival.
Toad Lane Concerts - Jonathan Ellis concert pianist
REVIEW By Dr Joe Dawson
Jonathan Ellis is no stranger to Toad Lane Concerts having appeared as a soloist, chamber music player and accompanist to singers and instrumentalist over many years. He has phenomenal technique, memory skills, stamina, and powerful delivery. So, it was great to see him in his own right as a first-rate concert pianist, making the most of the vintage 1933 Challen Grand Piano in the St Mary in the Baum Church acoustic.
After starting to learn the piano at the age of three, Jonathan studied at Wells Cathedral School, and moved on to the prestigious joint music course of the RNCM and Manchester University, where he graduated first-class from both institutions and gained an impressive range of higher diplomas and prizes.
He works regularly with his Ryebank Trio as well as for City of Manchester Opera, Bury Choral Society, Opera Seria, Heritage Opera, the Pennine Spring Music Festival, and the Buxton Festival Fringe, where he has three awards and five nominations since 2010. He also works for the musical charities “Music in Hospitals” and “Live Music Now.”
Mozart’s delightful Rondo in A minor K511 was brilliant, virtuosic and with touches of deep passion.
Schubert’s mighty Sonata in B flat can be daunting in length for the listener. But Jonathan made the most of the different tempi, style, and moods of the 4 movements, taking each of them to another level with breath-taking stamina and energy … not to mention the sheer feat of memory.
Brahms’ Rhapsody in G minor was taken at a blistering pace to top off this sensational recital.
You would have to travel far to hear a performance of this quality. Here it was in the centre of Rochdale.
RECOMMENDED
Thursday 06 July - Saturday 08 July
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 are free, Children (aged 4-15) and Concessions £5, Adults £7, and Family (4 people) £20.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Visit: https://www.fireground.org.uk/Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Friday 07 July
The Active Living Social
Come and join them for fun-filled music and dance afternoons taking you through the decades.
Have a drink, chat in a warm space, and meet new people and friends.
Bring your own hot drinks cup to help save the environment!
Numbers limited, booking required.
Booking is available in person at the centre you wish to attend, or by emailing:
elaine.stott@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk or ringing 01706 926205.
2pm - 4pm
Middleton Arena, Lance Corporal Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton M24 1AG
Saturday 08 July
Riverside Artisan Market
Running on the second Saturday of every month, the successful Riverside Artisan Market returns again to Rochdale Riverside this weekend.
A big thankyou to all our customers for helping us to grow this market every month.
A warm welcome is waiting from over 20 small independent businesses who grow, rear, make or bake what you see. All different, all quality and made by the people you speak to.
From artisan meats to hand made fudge and glass creations.
From room sprays, wax melts, handmade soaps, and quirky gift ideas
From preserves, chutneys, oils and vinegars to delicious savoury pies, sweet treats and fresh fruit and veg and so much more.
Come say hi, let us know what you think and while you’re here check out the great Rochdale Riverside and the other lovely places Rochdale Town Centre has to offer.
Free
10am - 4pm
Riverside Retail & Leisure Complex, Riverside Walk, Rochdale OL16 1TR
On until Sunday 09 July
Gallery Exhibition Breakaway Art Group - Watercolours
Most items on display are available to purchase.
Free
Phone: Littleborough Coach House 01706 378481
Visit: https://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/sites/littleborough-coach-house/gallery-ex...
10am - 3pm
Littleborough Coach House, Lodge Street, Littleborough OL15 9AE
Celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
Visit: https://www.allacrossthearts.com
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