previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 12 MARCH 2025
TAMBO & BONES AT HOME MANCHESTER
Preview by Steve Cooke
In this exhilarating, funny and provocative satire, Tambo and Bones journey from comedy double-act to hip-hop superstars, to activists in a future America, contending with the alarming repercussions of a nation torn apart by race.
Winner of 2019 Bruntwood Prize for Playwriting and UK Theatre Awards.
Tambo and Bones were traditional minstrel characters who appeared in a variety show that consisted of dynamic songs, dances, and other variety acts, and ended with a short skit. Tambo was a slave character who played the tambourine, while Bones played the bone castanets or bones. There are at least nine surviving marionettes from this unique show, four of which are in the National Museum of American History Collection.
Tambo and Bones are stuck in a minstrel show.
It’s hard to know what’s real when you’re stuck in a minstrel show.
Their escape plan: get out, get rich, get even.
Spanning 500 years of history, Tambo & Bones laughs through our past, blows the roof off our present and imagines an explosive future for our world and for theatre.
Approx 120mins (including interval).
This satirical show contains sounds of gunfire, strong language, repeated use of a racial slur, references to ethnic violence and war crimes, and discusses themes some may find upsetting relating to race.
An Actors Touring Company, Stratford East and Royal & Derngate, Northampton Co-Production in association with Belgrade Theatre, Leeds Playhouse and Liverpool Everyman presents Tambo & Bones.
Tickets from £20
Tue 1 Apr – Sat 5 Apr
HOME, 2 Tony Wilson Place, Manchester, M15 4FN
FEBRUARY AT TLC
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
February 05: Rascallity Harp Duo: One solo concert harp live is rare; a duo is extraordinary. Alice Roberts and Kathryn Mason, first-rate musicians, showcased their duo at St Mary in the Baum Church, where acoustics are ideal. They played a variety of arrangements, from Einaudi’s I Giorni to jazz pieces like 'John R' by Dorothy Ashby, creating a divine celestial duo. Their seamless collaboration and diverse repertoire delighted the audience. A memorable experience.
February 12: Johanna Leung clarinets and Henry Page: Johanna highlighted her versatility with three types of clarinets: clarinet in A, clarinet in Bb, and bass clarinet. Her performance included her own arrangement of JS Bach's Prelude, Schumann's Fantasiestücke with pianist Henry Page, and modern pieces like Dirk Brossé's Elegy. Johanna's playing, especially with the unique bass clarinet, highlighted her skill and creativity, providing a masterful introduction to the instrument. The collaboration with Henry Page added to the recital's dynamism and excellence. Full marks to Joanna for Olympian stamina.
February 19: Duncan Reid violin and Jonathan Ellis piano: Both graduates of the joint course of the RNCM and Manchester University these supremely talented musicians dazzled with virtuosic verve. From the stately opening of Mozart’s Sonata K. 454 to establish the even treatment of both instruments, an energetic interpretation, scalic virtuosity flashed between them to the end, save for a reflective melodic middle movement; an exquisite performance of ‘The Lark Ascending’ by Vaughan Williams; The shimmering tranquillity this achieved was shattered with the madly joyous flashes of brilliance of Wieniawski’s Polonaise Brillante. The much-demanded encore was the beautiful intermezzo, Meditation from ‘Thais’ by Massenet. Marvellous.
February 26: Jonathan Ellis piano: a regular at Toad Lane Concerts, he displayed his talent as a solo pianist at St Mary in the Baum. Having started piano at three, he trained at Wells Cathedral School, RNCM, and Manchester University, excelling as a soloist, accompanist, and chamber musician. He collaborates with opera companies, choral societies, and musical charities. In this recital, he played Mozart's Fantasy in D minor, Beethoven's Sonata Op. 110, Debussy's Book 1 of Images, and Chopin's Barcarolle in F# major. An encore with Scriabin's étude concluded the performance. Jonathan is celebrated for his expressive and skilled playing, both as a soloist and accompanist.
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.
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 12 March 2025
Rochdale Photographic Society
Tonight's session - Presidents Evening.
We meet every Wednesday at Rochdale Unitarian Church, starting at 7.30pm prompt (doors open from 7.15pm). The door is kept locked so please ring the bell on arrival.
If you would like to see the club for yourself and meet our members, you are welcome to attend as our guest for up to 3 weeks before committing to membership. Annual subscription is £36 for single or £46 for joint membership.
A weekly room fee of £2.50 is also payable on arrival at the meeting. Refreshments are 50p.
Visit: https://www.rochdaleps.org.uk/syllabus for a full 2024 syllabus.
Doors open 7.15pm, 7.30pm start
Rochdale Unitarian Church, Clover Street, Rochdale OL12 6TP
Wednesday 12 March 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Rochdale Phoenix Opera Company performing ‘Bits of Ida’.
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 13 March 2025
FRAG - Rochdale born artist, Harold Dearden 1888-1969.
His life and artwork By his grandson Prof Philip Dearden
£4
Rochdale Music Service, 7-11 The Butts, Rochdale OL16 1XT
In the very centre of Rochdale, next to The Walk (formerly an inside market, Santander Bank or earlier still, Burtons the Tailors!)
13:00 for 13:30 Buzz yourself in, have a brew downstairs (pay the RMS Honesty Box £1)
Upstairs (or lift) for Talk 13:30-14:30
Phone: 01706 648872 Dr Joe Dawson, Chair FRAG
Thursday 13 March 2025 - Saturday 15 March 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 are free, Children (aged 4-15) and Concessions £5, Adults £7 and Family (4 people) £20.
Phone: Fireground 01706 341219
Open Thursday, Friday & Saturday from 10am - 4pm
Fireground, Maclure Road, Rochdale OL11 1DN
Thursday 13 March 2025
Littleborough Historical & Archaeological Society
Constructing the M62 by Raymond Whittaker.
Light refreshments are served on arrival, and non-members are very welcome to attend.
Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of each month.
Free parking is available locally within the town centre and nearby streets.
Members £2.50 and Non-members £3.50
Phone: 01706 377685
Doors open 7.30pm, 8pm start
History Centre, Platform 2, Littleborough Railway Station, Railway Street, Littleborough OL15 8AF
Friday 14 March 2025
Castleton Literary and Scientific Society
Annual General Meeting and Quiz night - All Welcome
Annual Membership £25; Visitors welcome £3 per meeting
Phone: Barry Hobson 07724 135099
7pm.
Castleton Community Centre, Manchester Road, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Friday 14 March 2025
A Lancashire Night
A night of song and laughter with Phoenix Brass and Buzz Hawkins.
Including:
Poetry readings.
Fancy dress.
Potato pie supper.
All proceeds from this event will go to Parkinson’s Rochdale Branch and ‘Hydrose’ Hydrotherapy pool Castleton.
£20
Phone: Harry Fitton 07576 398577
7pm
Hopwood Unionist Club, Manchester Road, Heywood, Rochdale OL10 2AP
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
Comments