MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 11 JUNE 2025
Welsh harpist Eira Lynn Jones at St Chad’s Church
Preview by Steve Cooke
Quite a coup for Rochdale Parish Church’s Saturday Lunchtime Concerts with Welsh harpist Eira Lynn Jones whose passion for all things harp makes her a true ambassador for this magical instrument. She combines the three strands of her illustrious career as performer, teacher and composer. Her two solo albums gained critical acclaim, showcasing her imaginative programming on both pedal and lever harp.
Eira is committed to introducing the harp to wider audiences, resulting in an eclectic range of work: recordings with the Black Dyke Brass Band and the heavy metal group Venom, tours with the Morriston Orpheus Male Voice Choir and with Aled Jones for Songs of Praise, playing in Spain for HRH the Prince of Wales … and appearing in two episodes of Coronation Street, watched by 16 million people.
She has performed solo recitals in Johannesburg, Copenhagen, New York, Seville, Athens, Reykjavik and Dublin, as well as on S4C, BBC Radio 3, Radio 4 … and Radio 1!
As an orchestral player she regularly plays with the Hallé, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra and the BBC Philharmonic, appearing in concerts, recordings and at the Proms.
She was Principal Harp with Northern Ballet Theatre and has been a guest player with the BBC NOW, English National Ballet, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra.
Eira is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading harp teachers and was Head of Harp at the Royal Northern College of Music for nearly 30 years. She has given workshops in South Africa, Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, Greece, USA and now gives online coaching to harpists worldwide: from Newark to New Zealand!
As a composer she is inspired by the stories around her, from medieval tales to contemporary events. She was selected as composer for Illumine Theatre’s audio drama
Tremolo, now available on major podcast channels. She recently collaborated with the multi-award winning dance company, DanceSyndrome, whose members have Down’s Syndrome. They jointly performed her Sunken Forest Suite: a retelling of the Welsh legend Cantre’r Gwaelod, highlighting the rising sea levels of today.
“Sheer pleasure … ravishing sound … quite gorgeous … the playing is superb ” MusicWeb International
Visit: www.eiralynnjones.com
Definitely one not to be missed! We are promised something for everyone with classical pieces by Britten and Debussy, traditional tunes and a jazz standard. A highlight will be Les Bistros de Paris: a new work by Martin Ellerby evoking Parisian memories.
Programme:
March – Pavane, Bernard Andrès (b. 1941)
Interlude from Ceremony of Carols, Benjamin Britten (1913 - 1976)
From Les Bistros de Paris, Martin Ellerby (b.1957) , Saturday at Au Volcan, Sunday at Georgette du Luxembourg, Friday at Chez René, Thursday at Le Train Bleu
Glenlivet, trad. Scottish
Suo Gân, trad. Welsh
Swan LK243, Catriona McKay (b. 1976)
La Fille aux cheveux de lin, Claude Debussy (1862 - 1913)
Scandinavia, Monika Stadler (b. 1963)
I got Rhythm, George Gershwin (1898 - 1937), arr. Ray Pool
Saturday, June 14th, 2025
£6 pay on the door
Refreshments from 11.30am
Concert 12 noon
St Chad's Church, Sparrow Hill, Rochdale OL16 1QT
LIBERATION at the Royal Exchange Theatre
Preview by Steve Cooke
Rehearsals are well underway for LIBERATION produced by the Royal Exchange Theatre and Factory International, Manchester as part of the Manchester International Festival 2025 [MIF25]
How does a revolution begin and who keeps it going?
Inspired by true events in Black British history, LIBERATION is a powerful new play from writer Ntombizodwa Nyoni and director Monique Touko tracing the private lives of activists who fought to liberate Africa.
It’s 15 October 1945, Manchester. Africa’s freedom and future is in the hands of her descendants at the Fifth Pan-African Congress at Chorlton-on-Medlock Town Hall.
With decades of championing change under their belts, emerging African & Caribbean activists and scholars offer new radical ideas of liberation. However, the organiser, Trinidadian activist George Padmore is unsure who to pass the baton to. Kwame Nkrumah is fuelled by an idealistic desire to become the first Black president of the Gold Coast. Young, resourceful Jamaican social worker Alma La Badie is grappling with the truth behind who must be sacrificed for the cause. And what of the revered Amy Ashwood-Garvey how does she ensure the voices of Black women are heard?
A story of hope, friendship and the consequences of a long-denied awakening unravels in the conference halls and bars of Chorlton, but at what cost?
This groundbreaking new play developed 80 years after the Congress introduces the people behind the movement. LIBERATION gets to the heart of how our future is built, how our leaders are made, and how dreams are realised. With generational shifts and gender politics added to a swirling mix of power dynamics, LIBERATION asks timeless questions about revolution, freedom, and what it means to be an activist.
Watch video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M62jrQiOxkA
Receiving its World Premiere as part of Manchester International Festival 2025,
LIBERATION includes composition by Ife Ogunjobi from the Brit Award-winning Ezra Collective and was commissioned by the Royal Exchange Theatre.
Fri 27 Jun – Sat 26 Jul 2025
Standard Tickets from £10 [All orders will be subject to a fee of £2.00.]
Phone: 0161 833 9833
Royal Exchange Theatre, St Ann’s Square, Manchester M2 7DH
Exhibition
Discover an exhibition in the Great Hall about the history of the Pan-African Congress in 1945. The exhibition is in partnership with the Race, Roots & Resistance Collective’s Emerging Scholars Programme with support from Dr Kerry Pimblott and the AHRC project, ‘Grassroots Struggles, Global Visions: British Black Power, 1964-1985’. You can also read about the Emerging Scholars findings here https://www.royalexchange.co.uk/visit-eat-drink/uncovering-the-history-of-the-building/
Dear England at The Lowry
Review by Steve Griffiths
If you like football get down to the Lowry to see a wonderful play by hot playwright James Graham. If you hate football but like a great play experience, get down to the Lowry to see Director Rupert Gould’s production from the National Theatre of how to overcome a national obsession with not losing ( specially at football).
The cast headed by Gwilym Lee as the waistcoated , Gails bag toting , Mr Nice Guy Gareth Southgate are wondrous to behold. All sweat, angst about their work and each other. But willing to give it a go .
The England football manager job used to be a fine exemplar of Lions ( three ) led by donkeys. Now its lions led by Gregs.
Fortunately, in this telling of the tale ,national redemption is possible through rediscovery of the virtues of trusting your team mates. This is done through the efforts of Gwilym ably assisted by old school virtues exemplified by the physio, Martin Marquez. But moderated by a rediscovery of your inner woman through the skills of the head of people, Liz White
It’s a heart-warming story which the playwright unearthed through extensive research and interviews. Even the 100% success record of one England manager from the North is duly celebrated , Martin Marquez demonstrating the multi-tasking of the cast .
It’s a little difficult to single out individuals from the team performance of the ensemble. Which shows the real virtues of the play; it’s a product of everyone working their cotton socks off . No matter if you simply have a few lines to say , simply, step forward Harry Kane( (Ryan Whittle) or you are a little gobby, step forward Raheem Sterling (Gamba Cole,) they all contribute to a wonderful play.
And you get the chance to sing with them at the end Sweet Caroline. What could be sweeter?
5 stars!
Watch trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkXSM5iKihw
On until 29 Sunday 29 June
The Lowry Theatre: Pier 8, The Quays, Salford, M50 3AZ
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Wednesday 11 June 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Telemann Baroque Ensemble: Alfred Pollard oboe, Elaine da Costa Sarah Snape violins, John Goodstadt viola, Roger Bisby cello & Peter Collier harpsichord
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.
Thursday 12 June 2025
Father's Day Craft - Littleborough Library
Join us at Littleborough Library to make a unique 'Hero Hands' card to give to a special person this Father’s Day.
For families with children aged 3 and over.
Free
You can just drop in. However, materials will be limited, so the session will be run on a first come, first served basis.
3.30pm - 4.30pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Thursday 12 June 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
Thursday 12 June 2025
Pennines in Bloom - Wardle Library
A large floral display.
2nd Thursday, every month from March–October. A local community volunteer group who plan and plant up community areas in Wardle, Littleborough and Smithy Bridge for the benefit of those communities.
from £8
Free
10am - 12pm
Wardle Library, 448 Birch Road, Wardle, Rochdale OL12 9LH
Friday 13 June 2025
Stax of Soul
Following another sold-out performance in 2024, Stax of Soul is back at Middleton Arena, kicking off their Embracing the Journey Tour 2025! From their Manchester roots in 1983 to over 42 years of delivering powerhouse soul, the band’s journey continues, celebrating the music, the memories, and the fans that made it all possible.
Get ready for an electrifying evening as this legendary nine-piece band honours soul’s greatest sounds, backed by their renowned brass section and dynamic stage energy. Stax of Soul brings you timeless hits from Stax, Atlantic, Motown, and Northern Soul, saluting icons like James Brown and The Blues Brothers.
Don’t miss this unforgettable celebration! Secure your tickets for Stax of Soul’s Embracing the Journey Tour 2025 at Middleton Arena. Tickets are expected to sell out, so book early to be part of the legacy!
Featuring over 30 classic soul anthems: Get Ready, Higher and Higher, Tenderness, My Girl, Stand By Me, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, Give Me Just A Little More Time, The Snake, Gimme Some Lovin’, Minnie The Moocher, Shake a Tail Feather, Hold On, I’m Comin’, Soul Man, I Got You (I Feel Good), Papa’s Got a Brand New Bag, In the Midnight Hour, It’s The Same Old Song, Stop Her On Sight and many more.
2h 20m
From £21.00
Middleton Arena LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AGrs
Saturday 14 June 2025
Drag Me To The 80's
Meet our cast of 80s divas and join us on an unforgettable journey as this amazing production delivers a dazzling fusion of nostalgia, empowerment and a celebration of the extraordinary.
Get ready to dance, sing and be captivated by the powerhouse vocals of the queens who redefine the stage and bring the spirit of the 80s roaring back to life.
Featuring an incredible full live band and the music of Kylie, Madonna, Whitney, Bananarama, Queen, Abba, Rick Astley, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, Duran Duran, Wham, Tina Turner and many more.
Watch the trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3D3BADWpySg
From £26.00
Middleton Arena LCpl Joel Halliwell VC Way, Middleton, Greater Manchester M24 1AG
Saturday 14 June 2025
Lego Club – Rochdale Central Library
Every other Saturday. Get creative with Lego and join our free club, suitable for all the family. There's Duplo available for younger siblings.
For families with children aged 2 and over, and teenagers.
You can just turn up.
Free
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
Saturday, 14 June 2025
Assheton of Middleton Archive Collection Talk - Middleton Library
Come along to Middleton Library where Manchester Archives will be hosting a talk about the Assheton of Middleton Archive Collection.
The collection sheds light on local life in the medieval and early modern era. The collection includes the earliest surviving written document, the Articles of Agreement dating from 1197.
This is an exciting chance to hear about and see some of the oldest and most historically significant documents relating to the Assheton Family and Middleton’s medieval history.
You can just drop in
Free
1pm - 2.30pm
Middleton Library, Long Street, Middleton M24 6DU
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