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MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2025

  • Writer: STEVE COOKE AATA
    STEVE COOKE AATA
  • 1 minute ago
  • 8 min read

 


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 previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke

      

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MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2025

 

Love and Chaos Collide in Noel Coward’s Timeless Comedy

Review by Hilary Dawes


Directed by Tanuja Amarasuriya, Noel Coward’s classic play Private Lives is a sparkling comedy of manners, set against a backdrop of 1930s glamour, and filled with razor-sharp wit, sizzling chemistry and timeless sophistication.

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Elyot and his new young wife Sibyl are on honeymoon on the French Riviera.  As they sip cocktails on their hotel balcony, Sibyl cannot help but question Elyot about previous relationships, particularly the one with his ex-wife Amanda.  He tires of her questions and in spite of his declarations of undying love for Sibyl, her insecurity and uncertainty of Elyot become apparent.   Also, unbeknownst to them, the couple on honeymoon in the room next door is Amanda and her new husband Victor.  


Elyot and Amanda find themselves alone on their respective balconies and recognition dawns as they each begin humming a familiar tune.   Soon old flames re-ignite, and their previous impulsive love takes hold.   They decide to leave their respective spouses and run away together to Paris, but after a few days back together, they are soon caught up in the same violent arguments that originally plagued their stormy marriage, and their ardent  romance soon spirals into a chaotic riot of passionate desire, slanging matches and outrageous battles.  


There were standout performances from all cast members, with Chirag Benedict Lobo portraying the mercurial and caddish Elyot with remarkable energy and Pepter Lunkuse, perfect as the feisty and petulant Amanda, whilst Sade Malone and Ashley Gerlach gave sympathetic portrayals as their cruelly deceived partners, Sibyl and Victor.   Last but not least, Louise the maid was cleverly played with a deft comic touch by Jodie Cuaresma.



With stunning Art Deco sets and gorgeous authentic costumes, set and costume designer Amy Jane Cook is to be commended, along with every member of the creative and production team. 

 

 

Breaking the Code at HOME

Preview by Steve Cooke


Step inside the story of one of the most important and inquisitive minds of the twentieth century: Alan Turing at HOME with Breaking the Code.


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From triumph to tragedy, get to know a human being who loved, lost and never stopping asking questions in a quest for truth and understanding in this new staging of Hugh Whitemore's popular production.


And for the first time, taking into consideration the recent Royal pardon and the development of Turing's law, this original play will feature a new epilogue by Neil Bartlett that speaks to Turing's lasting legacy on modern Britain.


Mastermind. Code breaker. Maverick. Arguably one of the most important and inquisitive minds of the twentieth century.  Alan Turing is famed for cracking the Enigma code at Bletchley Park, effectively securing victory for the Allied forces in WWII.


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A Royal & Derngate, Northampton, Landmark Theatres and Oxford Playhouse co-production in association with Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse and HOME

Theatre

Tue 28 Oct - Sat 1 Nov

Theatre 1, HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN

 

 

Your Holiday Club – October Half Term

Preview by Steve Cooke


Looking for something for the young ones during October half term?

Your Trust are running a holiday club for children aged 5 to 12 years with activities including swimming, multi-sports, soft-play arts, crafts & much more!


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Things to take: Swimming Kit, Packed Lunch, Snacks & Drinks £25 per day.

For further enquiries contact Middleton Arena Reception Team on 0161 6624000 or email middleton.arena@yourtrustrochdale.co.uk

General Enquiries & Bookings: 0161 662 4000

Ticket Sales & Event Enquiries [open Mon-Fri 10am – 2.30pm]: 0300 303 8633 

£25.00 per day

8am to 5pm each day.

Middleton Arena, LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG

 

 

Movers, Shakers and Story Makers

By Steve Cooke


Touchstones are partnering with Wild Things CIC to deliver a new series of activities for families with children aged 0-4.


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Building on the success of their First Steps into Music programme, Movers, Shakes and Story makers uses a mystery object from the Touchstones collection to inspire drama and movement-based activities for little ones.


This is a 3-month pilot project, funded by Arts Council England, in partnership with Touchstones Gallery Rochdale, Movers, Shakers and Story makers offers free (term-time) weekly movement and storytelling session to 0-4 year olds and their adults.

Sessions are FREE and take place in Deeplish, Howard Street and Newbold Family Hubs in Rochdale.

A great opportunity for local families and nurseries.

To register for places email: wildthingsjenny@gmail.com

 

MARINA ABRAMOVIĆ’S BALKAN EROTIC EPIC

Preview by Steve Cooke


Balkan Erotic Epic is a powerful durational performance that fuses dance, song, and ritual, brought to life by a cast of over 70 performers, including dancers, musicians, and singers – many of whom are from the North West.


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Drawing from the rich folklore and ancestral traditions of Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Albania, Serbia, Macedonia, Bosnia, Kosovo, Montenegro, as well as Roma and Traveller cultures, Balkan Erotic Epic reimagines ancient rituals as sacred expressions of connection between the body, the earth, and the cosmos.


Balkan Erotic Epic marks a major moment in Abramović’s celebrated career, and a rare opportunity for UK audiences to experience the full force of her creative vision in an ambitious, immersive performance of unprecedented scale.


Balkan Erotic Epic has been commissioned by Factory International, Berliner Festspiele, Gran Teatre del Liceu, Park Avenue Armory and WestK. It is produced by Factory International. Following the world premiere in Manchester, Factory International will present Balkan Erotic Epic to international co-commissioners, starting in Barcelona in January 2026.


18+ only.

This production contains full nudity and graphic sexual scenes, including simulated acts.

Running time: 4-hour durational performance. Audiences may move freely throughout.

Strictly no photography is permitted during this performance.

Marina Abramović: Balkan Erotic Epic

9-19 October 2025

Aviva Studios, Home of Factory International, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ

TALK

Marina Abramović: Artist Talk

An exclusive artist talk celebrating the world premiere of Balkan Erotic Epic at Aviva Studios

Saturday 11 October, 4-5pm

Aviva Studios, Home of Factory International, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ

 

 

 

RECOMMENDED

 

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

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 1 October 2025

Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime

This week we have - Students from Chetham’s School of Music

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

 

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Heywood Scribblers - Heywood Library

Join our poetry and story writing workshops. All abilities welcome.

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.

Free

No need to book, you can just drop in.

1.15pm - 3.15pm

Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW

 

Wednesday, 1 October 2025

Tea Dances at Rochdale Town Hall

Join us as we waltz back into a cherished tradition and let the rhythm of sequence dancing sweep you off your feet.

the Tea Dance will fill the Grand Hall every first Wednesday of the month. Immerse yourself in an afternoon of joy and connection, as friends old and new come together to enjoy the magic of dance.

Prima Dance invites you to glide in harmony with your fellow dancers while executing the same routines, moving gracefully in an anticlockwise direction around the room. Each step you take offers a chance to bond with others, making memories that linger long after the last note fades.

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking to try something new, we warmly welcome all skill levels. For just £7.50 per person, your dance experience includes not only entry but also refreshments to keep you energized throughout the afternoon.

Tickets from £7.50 per person

You can also call 01706 924797 to book.

1pm - 3pm

Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ

 

Thursday, 2 October 2025

Thursday Reading Group - Spotland Library

First Thursday of every month. Read, share and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction chosen from our extensive list of book titles in a relaxed and friendly group.

No need to book, you can just turn up.

Free

2pm - 3pm

Spotland Library, Ings Lane, Rochdale OL12 7AL

 

Thursday, 2 October 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, 3 October 2025

Singing Group - Heywood Library

First Friday of every month. Come and join our friendly, happy singing group.

Join us in our wheelchair-accessible community room. Refreshments will be provided.

Don’t worry, you don’t have to be a good singer. It’s all about having fun and meeting new friends in a relaxed atmosphere.

Songs sung include everyday pop favourites from the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s as well as show tunes.

No need to book, you can just come along.

Free

11am - 12pm

Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW

Tickets from £10.00

General Enquiries & Bookings: 0161 662 4000

Box Office: arts.events@you

 

Friday 3 October

Tracing Steps Theatre & Dance Company 15 year showcase

Tickets from £10.00

Ticket Sales & Event Enquiries (open Mon-Fri 10am – 2.30pm :0300 303 8633 

7.00pm [doors open at 6.30pm]

Duration: 2h 30m

7.00pm [doors open 6.30pm]]

LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG

 

Saturday, 4 October 2025

Board games and Lego Legends - Smallbridge Library

1st Saturday of every month. Join us for some monthly family fun with our board games and Lego. Get creative or competitive, let’s play or build and start the month off right.

Board games and Lego will be provided. You can also bring in your own board games to play here.

For families with children aged 3 and over.

Free

11am - 12pm

Smallbridge Library, Stevenson Square, Rochdale OL12 9SA

 

 

 

 

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