MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- Sep 10
- 8 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER 2025
What Could Go Wrong? At the Curtain Theatre
Preview by Steve Cooke
What Could Go Wrong? At Rochdale’s hidden gem the Curtain Theatre includes three comedic farces, Streuth and A Collier’s Tuesday Tea by Michael Green and Pride At Southanger Park by Rupert Bean. All celebrate the charming disasters that can occur when an enthusiastic but under-skilled troupe attempts to perform serious drama.
The production directed by Andrew Fidler & Peter Fitton is the first show of the theatre’s centenary year.
The Curtain Theatre moved into its present premises on Milkstone Road in 1933. Not even the war stopped productions. The only year missed in it’s entire history is 2020 during Covid.
Considerable work was done to transform the building into a theatre and further alterations over the following years to give you the 180 seat theatre that you see today. It is the last remaining functioning theatre in Rochdale.
The lock and key logo that can be seen on letterheads and foyer carpet has various interpretations. The “key to another world “ “to transport members of the audience to the world of magic and imagination”
All Curtain Theatre members are volunteers.
Throughout their centenary year in this column, we shall be bringing you extensive coverage of what is coming up.
The Curtain Theatre is not only an iconic venue with a long history it is right on our doorstep. Let’s spread the world and take full advantage of this beacon of our creative arts scene.
What Could Go Wrong?
£10.85 including booking fee
Saturday 13th September 2025 - Saturday 20th September 2025
The Curtain Theatre, 47 Milkstone Road, Rochdale OL11 1EB
Phone:01706 642008
Heritage Open Day Festival 2025: Architecture
Preview by Steve Cooke
Heritage Open Days is England's largest community led festival of history and culture, involving thousands of local volunteers and organisations. Every year in September it brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history. Stories are told, traditions explored, and histories brought to life. It’s your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences. The festival runs from the 12th September to the 21st September.
Throughout the borough there are many events highlighting the history we have here locally. This year’s theme is architecture, and the borough has so many historical buildings with a rich amount of storytelling. So, get ready to travel back in time with events such as stories of the Gank at Rochdale town hall or the historic court room tours. Delve into our local churches and discover the history that lies within them, with artist talks at Long Street Methodist Church and School or try floral arranging at St. Andrew’s CE Church. Whatever your interest there is something to discover during the festival.
To see all the events available please visit Rochdale Creates https://www.rochdalecreates.co.uk/whats-on or the Heritage Open Day website https://www.heritageopendays.org.uk/whats-on/printable-area-lists/rochdale.html.
Although all events are free, some do require pre-booking, so don’t miss out and check the details on the HOD website.
Big Fish Little Fish Family Rave
Preview by Steve Cooke
Rochdale, get ready to rave. Big Fish Little Fish is bringing its award-winning family rave to Rochdale Town Hall for an unforgettable end-of-summer bash.
Since 2013, Big Fish Little Fish has transformed the family entertainment scene, creating raves that cater to all ages. Their events are known as a joyous fusion of top-notch tunes, creative activities, and special effects designed to entertain both adults and children alike.
We will get top DJs playing Hacienda classics and old school anthems. DJs to be announced in advance on social media where possible.
Plus: Creative activities, Sensory extravaganza, Baby chill and toddler area, Family-friendly venue.
This is not a traditional children’s party or disco. There will be no kids’ music, games or DJ shout outs. The effect is to give families unity on the dancefloor, dancing together
Bye bye glowsticks: Big Fish Little Fish made the decision to stop giving out glowsticks due to environmental issues with single use plastics. “We try to be as environmentally friendly as we can at our events using biodegradable balloons where possible, recycling our mural pens and being mindful of the materials we use on our craft tables. People are still welcome to bring them. We’ve had loads of positive support for this, so we hope you embrace it too.”
All ages very welcome, but activities are designed with 0-8 years olds in mind. Music is played at safe levels for everyone.
Adult-only groups are not permitted. A maximum of 3 children per adult in a family. If there are more than 4 adults per child in your group, please email holly@bigfishlittlefishevents.co.uk for pre-approval before buying tickets.
Booking required: each member of your group must have a paid ticket to enter. Book your place online at Your Trust: https://www.yourtrustrochdale.co.uk/whats-on/events/big-fish-little-fish-family-rave-at-rochdale-town-hall-2/
Photography: they may photograph or film small parts of the event and by entering you are giving your permission for these to be used for Big Fish Little Fish promotion purposes.
Adults remain responsible for their children at all times.
The event will be busy. The dancefloor is for adults and children to dance together.
Please be aware that events are standing/dancing with limited seating.
Buggies must be left in the buggy park located in the venue but outside the event space. Buggies will not be allowed on the dance floor.
A licensed bar will be open during the event, but no glass is permitted.
Tickets from £6
2pm - 4pm
Sunday, 14 September 2025
Rochdale Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ
NOEL COWARD’S PRIVATE LIVES AT THE OCTAGON
Preview by Steve Cooke
Set against a backdrop of 1930s glamour, Noël Coward’s Private Lives at the Octagon Bolton, is a sparkling comedy of manners - hilarious, shocking, and a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with razor-sharp wit, sizzling chemistry, and timeless sophistication.
Amanda and Elyot are charming, rich, utterly reckless - and divorced. When they meet unexpectedly on the first night of their honeymoons with new partners, in the balmy moonlight of the French Riviera, old flames re-ignite, and impulsive love takes hold. But they divorced for a reason, and their fiery romance soon spirals into a chaotic riot of passionate desire, slanging matches and outrageous battles.
Directed By 2024 RTST Sir Peter Hall Director Award-Winner Tanuja Amarasuriya this is a great opportunity to experience Noel Coward[‘s timeless comedy.
Tanuja describes the production as 'a brilliant play – funny, sexy, shocking – and full of bittersweet truths about the complex difficulties of relationships. I can't wait to bring it to life for audiences in a way that combines the glamour and screwball comedy thrill of the 1930s, with a vibrant, immediate energy that speaks straight to 2025, and I'm really excited to be working at the Octagon Theatre, with such a supportive and collaborative team.'
With a cast of five talented newcomers to the stage - Jodie Cuaresma as Louise, Ashley Gerlach as Victor, Chirag Benedict Lobo as Elyot, Pepter Lunkuse as Amanda and Sade Malone as Sibyl - all bringing their unique skills and energy in capturing Coward's brilliantly crafted characters. Imogen Khan and Peter Stone also join the team as understudies.
An Octagon Theatre Bolton, Mercury Theatre & Rose theatre co-production in association with northern stage, supported by a grant from the royal theatrical support trust
On until Saturday 27 September 2025
From £15
Age14+ - Content to consider: Sexual references, hand-to-hand violence and themes of domestic abuse.
Duration approximately 2 hours (including interval)
Phone: 01204 520661
Octagon Theatre Howell Croft South, Bolton BL1 1SB
Linda Brogan: MY MUM IS WHITE
Preview by Steve Cooke
The gallery at HOME is transformed into a semi-public artist studio and psychotherapy space where artist Linda Brogan and psychologist Adam Danquah are facilitating a journey of psycho-social exploration within a group of seven mixed-heritage cultural practitioners based in Manchester. Together this intergenerational group excavates personal stories, lay truths bare, and forge pathways forward in solidarity.
Based on each participant's unique story, Brogan is filling the gallery space with sixteen large-scale drawings using a method of mind-mapping she first developed as a personal therapeutic tool in the early 2000s. This unfolding, unruly forest of lived experience forms a powerful basis for reflection and integration, also creating the setting for the culmination of the group's journey in a self-devised embodied grief ritual.
MY MUM IS WHITE is a collective experiment bridging community building, psychotherapy, and visual art. It is a collective reckoning and a public call to acknowledge the nuances of experiences at the intersections of racial identity.
The studio is a reflective and creative space designed to be a container for dialogue and healing. When not in use for private sessions, the public are invited to witness Brogan at work and use the space for their own reflections and conversations.
The term 'half-caste' is used in full recognition of its origins in colonialism and the system of chattel slavery, and in recognition of its eventual use as a self-descriptor in Britain. Brogan and Danquah use the term to signify their shared experience growing up.
MY MUM IS WHITE is a project by Linda Brogan and Adam Danquah with curatorial input by Hannah Vollam. Produced by Clarissa Corfe (Creative Producer: Visual Art, HOME). Generously supported by Arts Council England.
On until Sunday 21 September
The gallery will be open to the public during specific hours when private group sessions are not taking place.
Mon - Thu: 12:00 - 20:00
Fri: 13:00 - 20:00
Sat: 12:00 - 20:00
Sun: 12:00 - 18:00
Exceptions:
Mon 15 Sep: 13:00 - 20:00
Fri 19 Sep: 16:00 - 20:00
The Gallery, Home, 2 Tony Wilson Place Manchester M15 4FN.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 10 September 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Jonathan Ellis piano (Manchester University & 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 11 September 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
Saturday, 13 September 2025
Reading Group - Littleborough Library
Second Saturday of every month. A group discussing various authors, genres and themes.
For adults. No need to book, you can just come along.
Free
10.30am - 11.30am
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
Comments