MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH 2026
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 3 minutes ago
- 10 min read
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 11 MARCH 2026
A Call out for Artists
Previews: Ward 76 by Shirley and Sam Jamil, Troubled at HOME plus Hot Cross Bunny
Reviews: At TLC another richly varied month in this eclectic weekly music series, soprano and mezzo, solo pianists, and a classical harp duo.
Call out for Artists
By Steve Cooke
Littleborough Coach House exhibition space has been completely refurbished and looks amazing, and they are now looking for more artists to exhibit.
Opportunities have arisen for artists to exhibit at Littleborough Couch House WITH two newly refurbished galleries and additional wall space of various sizes.
Individuals and groups are invited to submit a proposal for an exhibition in the Heritage Centre Room r the Victoria Street Room.
A hanging system is in place and new lighting is being installed.
Exhibitions are free with 25% commission taken on work sold. Artists are expected to hang their own work.
For further information or details call in the Coach House on Lodge Street and ask for a form or email Exhibitions Organiser Ruth Fairley on RuthFairley55@gmail.com
There is also limited availability for a small number of artists to hang 4 framed pictures for a period of 3 months.
Artists who are interested are asked to contact Ruth as above.
Located on Lodge Street, a quiet cobbled area in the heart of Littleborough's central conservation area. Within 2 minutes’ walk of both the bus terminus and railway station (on the Manchester-Leeds via Rochdale line). Just opposite the Parish Church. There is free car parking at the Coach House and on adjacent streets.
Ward 76, by Shirley and Sam Jamil
Reviewed at M6 Theatre by Seamus Kelly
Ward 76 is written by Sam Jamil and his mother Shirley, based on their lived experiences.
It is a play about three young people in a children’s ward in a Rochdale Hospital navigating growing up, fear and friendship. Harry (Sam Jamil) is a long-term patient and knows the ward better than anyone. Having undergone lots of investigations and treatments, Harry comes across as witty and laid back but he uses humour as a mask. Today is Harry’s last day on the ward and he is worried about having to move to adult services when he turns 18.
Two other patients on the ward are Nemo (Harvey Weedon), a quiet teenager who enjoys playing his video games and KRen (Katie Richardson) a teenage influencer carefully cultivating an online image, complete with fake American accent. Their nurse, Clare (Kim Burnett), is stressed and overworked but doing her best to look after her young patients.
Things take a dramatic turn when there is a power cut during a thunderstorm. From that point onwards the story comes to life, complete with sounds of rumbling thunder and flashing lightning, as they explore the hospital at night and come across the spirit of a nurse called Camilla who is trying to right some past wrongs.
The story is well crafted and gives plenty of opportunity for the real messages of the piece to shine through. Harry (like Sam) is a wheelchair user, and the way the play explores how people with different abilities are ignored or treated differently comes across powerfully. All the characters learn to deal with some of their own anxieties whilst forming genuine friendships.
A play that deals with themes that include disability, anxiety, social media, loneliness and growing up in the hospital environment could easily fall into a preaching mode - Ward 76 does not. There is plenty of comedy, adventure, and light horror or supernatural elements, to keep the audience entertained and engaged.
Under the direction of Nickie Wildin and produced by Skai Townsend, the cast and creative team delivered an excellent piece of theatre, enhanced by a large screen providing subtitles to make it more accessible.
A few thoughts from the actors:
Kim - “It felt really special to perform it here, where Sam’s youth theatre was. It felt like a really solid first preview.”
Harvey - “It was so nice to be telling such a brilliant story at a great time. So much fun.”
Katie - “A privilege to share the stage with such amazing people”
Ward 76 will have a public performance at The Edge in Chorlton on Thursday 5th March and will then tour schools and community settings. A companion website www.ward76.co.uk provides more information, support materials relating to the topics covered and creative activities. Schools or community organisations wishing to book a performance can use the booking form on the website.
Ward 76 is thoughtful and entertaining, carrying its messages lightly to great effect without talking down to its young audience.
At TLC another richly varied month in this eclectic weekly music series, soprano and mezzo, solo pianists, and a classical harp duo.
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
February 4: Imogen Garner mezzo and John Gough piano
We are fortunate having such fine performers to maintain the heritage traditions of the vocal recital and British song. Chester based mezzo-soprano Imogen Garner studied at the RNCM and has sung as a soloist in concerts, live broadcasts, opera companies and choral societies. John Gough was born and bred in Chester. He enjoys a busy career combining solo playing, accompaniment and teaching. He recently retired as Head of Accompaniment at the RNCM and introduced the songs today with engaging information. Focusing on the great tradition of British song, Imogen used her rich and mellow mezzo tone effectively in settings by Frank Bridge, John Ireland, Janet Hamilton and the rebellious Madeleine Dring, culminating in Elgar’s towering song cycle Sea Pictures.
February 11: Rascallity Harp Duo - Kathryn Mason and Alice Roberts are both first-rate musicians and formed Rascallity Duo as RNCM students; they find the acoustics excellent for their work. Today featured contemporary pieces such as the sparkling soundscape of Caroline Lizotte’s Stellae Saltantem, with its classical storyline of Ariadne, played by a terrestrial Kathryn and a celestial Alice. They are doing contemporary music and the public a great service by programming it and performing it so well. The finale was a more relaxed yet vibrant ‘Caravan’ by Juan Tizol and Duke Ellington, arranged by Alice. That could make a brilliant signature tune for them.
February 18: Adrian Lord pianist composer from Cheshire studied at the RNCM and the Colchester Institute School of Music. However, his late father was born and bred in Milnrow and attended Rochdale Grammar School, which perhaps grants the son with token Rochdale citizenship? Adrian introduced and played several of his works to great effect. His final piece, Time to Remember brought him round to his beginnings and was dedicated to mum! A kind of ‘Knutsford Einaudi,’ Adrian proved as approachable and engaging as his music proved accessible, as several people stayed to chat, peruse and purchase his books, CDs … and vinyl!
February 25: African soprano Margaret Ferguson and Welsh born pianist Mackenzie Paget, both highly trained at the RNCM at different times, made a great duo today. Varied repertoire from the old English ‘Cherry Ripe’, Bellini, Mozart, Tosti, Haydn’s Creation, spirituals with modern riffs and Gershwin with involuntary audience participation! was all expertly performed, with hilarious moments. This joyful hour came to a beautifully satisfying gentle close with a simple, reflective performance of Marta Keen’s Homeward Bound.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30 pm at St Mary in the Baum, Toad Lane, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Troubled at HOME
Preview by Steve Cooke
Coming up at the Theatre at HOME is Troubled, an extraordinary tale of love, loss and human connection - told with tea and biscuits. Blending storytelling, projection and audience interaction, Troubled reckons with the past, offering us renewed hope for the future.
The lead artist Suzy Crothers has created this story based on her own lived experience and subsequent recovery. Whilst these subjects are heavy, they are placed in the context of a recovery journey and a feeling that a journey towards wellbeing is possible.
It’s 1993, Mum won’t let Alice go to Funderland because Belfast is burning. ‘How about Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves and Chinese chicken balls instead?’ Fast forward to 2023, where Alice meets Tim, falling in love (finally) but can she escape the legacy of a childhood shaped by conflict or is this the moment everything unravels?
This performance contains reference to BPD [Borderline Personality Disorder], alcohol misuse, conflict within home/society, descriptive language around a mental health crisis (incl reference to self-harm/ hearing voices), bereavement.
To book tickets visit: https://homemcr.org/whats-on/troubled
Thursday 7 May - Saturday 9 May
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester M15 4FN
Hot Cross Bunny
Preview by Steve Cooke
Hot Cross Bunny Presents a two-day celebration of music and culture at Aviva Studios this Easter Weekend - an iconic weekend of live performances and global sounds in the heart of Manchester.
These promise to be “vibrant daytime shows moving seamlessly into immersive late-night events, reflecting the diversity and energy of Manchester’s music scene”.
A great opportunity to experience everything from pop and indie nostalgia to Afrobeats, electronic music and emerging local talent, alongside curated food and DJs.
Hot Cross Bunny Presents is built around connection – a place where music fans and nightlife audiences come together across one shared space in the Warehouse. From daytime discovery to late-night celebration, the weekend reflects Manchester’s spirit: welcoming, creative and made to be experienced together.
Friday 3 – Saturday 4 Apr 2026
The Warehouse, Aviva Studios, Water Street, Manchester, M3 4JQ
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday, 11 March 2026
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Rochdale Phoenix Opera Company
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, 12 March 2026
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
Visit: https://www.fireground.org.uk/ Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Thursday, 12 March 2026
Bookstart Baby and Bear Club - Smallbridge Library
Every other Thursday during term time. Join Amy and Bookstart Bear for a fun session, especially for babies and toddlers up to pre-school age and their parents or carers.
Booking required: please book a ticket for every baby and/or child who is to attend. Accompanying adults will not need a ticket. See available sessions and book tickets through Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/rochdale-borough-libraries-10695506106
When you and your child come along to their first session of Bookstart Baby and Bear Club, they will receive their very own Bookstart passport for you to get stamped each time they come along to a session or visit the library. For every 6 stamps they get in their passport, they'll receive a certificate. If you or your child are not library members already, you can join when you come along to Bookstart Bear Club.
Free
1.30pm - 2.15pm
Smallbridge Library, Stevenson Square, Rochdale OL12 9SA
Thursday, 12 March 2026
Reading group - Castleton Library and Community Centre
2nd Thursday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss different genres of books with other keen readers at our free, friendly and informal monthly meetings.
Free
For adults.
No booking required, you can just turn up.
11am - 12pm
Castleton Library, 604 Manchester Road, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Friday, 13 March 2026
Reading Group - Heywood Library
Second Friday of every month. Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers in this friendly group. Books will be loaned from the library.
For adults.
Booking required: places are limited, please book by emailing heywood.library@rochdale.gov.uk.
Free
10am - 11am
Heywood Library, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood OL10 1LW
Saturday, 14 March 2026
Lego Club - Littleborough Library
All children are welcome to join in and enjoy some creative play with Lego.
Each session, the children will be given a theme, followed by time to let their imaginations run wild and build.
Each session, the children will be given a theme, followed by time to let their imaginations run wild and build.
Lego club sessions are aimed at children aged 5–12 and their parents or carers. Duplo is available for younger children.
No need to book, you can just come along.
Free
11am - 12pm
Littleborough Library, Hare Hill Park, Littleborough OL15 9HE
Saturday, 14th March 2026
Broadfield Park Slopes: Nature Scavenger Hunt
British Science Week runs to 15th March 2026. As part of this we would like to invite families and children to explore the science of nature and biodiversity on the Broadfield Park Slopes through a fun fact-based scavenger hunt. Families will be given a set of questions and then will set off around the Broadfield Park Slopes to hunt down their answers!
The Broadfield Park Slopes are a newly restored park space located behind Rochdale Town Hall. There are new pathways, benches, interpretation and wildflower lawns to be used and explored. Please come along!
Free, drop-in event open 11am to 3pm.
All materials are provided.
The Broadfield Park Slopes are a newly restored park space located behind Rochdale Town Hall. There are new pathways, benches, interpretation and wildflower lawns to be used and explored. Please come along!
Broadfield Park Slopes , Rochdale Town Hall The Esplanade Rochdale, Manchester, Greater Manchester, OL16 1AZ
Saturday,14 March 2026
Rochdale Music Stories presents: Kenion Street Album Launch Concert
Join Rochdale Music Stories for a very special concert celebrating the iconic music recorded at Cargo Studios and Suite Sixteen between 1977-2001.
Rochdale boasts a rich and diverse musical legacy: from Gracie Fields to The Courteeners, Lisa Stansfield to Autechre. It’s the town where Joy Division recorded their seminal track Atmosphere and where groundbreaking music continues to thrive.
As part of Rochdale’s Town of Culture year, Rochdale Development Agency have launched Rochdale Music Stories – an exciting collaboration between The Stockport Music Story and Voltalab Sound Studios. This project invited local artists to reimagine tracks that were recorded at Cargo and Suite Sixteen studios on Kenion Street, Rochdale.
The result of that is a limited-edition vinyl record available at this launch where the artists will each perform their track. Clint Boon (Inspiral Carpets) will compere the event and chat to some very special guests as part of the show.
From £13.65
19:00
Heywood Theatre, Heywood Civic, LCpl Stephen Shaw MC Way, Heywood, OL10 1LW
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