MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2025
- STEVE COOKE AATA
- 2 minutes ago
- 8 min read
previews, reviews, interviews, and recommendations with Steve Cooke
MIDWEEK COLUMN WEDNESDAY 12 NOVEMBER 2025
Previews: A Brass and Bublé Christmas in Rochdale Town Hall; A Christmas Carol at Rochdale Ukrainian centre
Reviews: Poetry and Portraits, Gary Bridson-Daley’s tribute to service and sacrifice; Powell & Kwater’s exemplary recital at TLC.
Brass and Bublé: A Christmas Celebration
Preview by Steve Cooke
It is great to see our award winning refurbished town hall being the venue for an eclectic array of events and activities – literally something for everyone.
We now have the enticing opportunity to experience all the festive charm and smooth vocals of the Canadian Crooner, Michael Bublé brought to life by an outstanding tribute act, accompanied by the brilliant Wardle Anderson Brass Band.
Wardle Anderson Brass Band located in Wardle was established in the 1990s.
The name, Anderson, is derived from William Anderson, a former Headteacher and founder of Wardle High School [ now Wardle Academy].
In recent years, the band has continued to excel:
2024: They secured the First Section North West Regional Championship title. Promoted To Championship Status.
2023: The band achieved first place in the North West Area (First Section) contest with the test piece "A Day in the Life of a Knight."
2022: Wardle Anderson Brass Band competed in the North West Area (Championship Section) contest, performing "Contest Music."
These accomplishments highlight the band's admirable dedication and musical excellence over the years.
The band is an important shining light in our creative community.
From £6.00 to £15.00
Adults £15.00 +£1.50 Booking Fee
Under 16s £6.00 +£0.60 Booking Fee
Visit: https://www.whatsoccurrinrochdale.co.uk/event-details/brass-and-buble-a-christmas-celebration
14 December 2025, 19:00
Rochdale, Town Hall, The Esplanade, Rochdale OL16 1AZ, UK
Poetry and Portraits: Saluting our Second World War Generation - Deluxe Colour Edition with Supplementary Content by Gary Bridson-Daley
Review by Steve Cooke
On this Remembrance Week November 2025, local author Gary Bridson-Daley tells me that he is, “very proud to announce the release of the Extended Versions of my new book 'Poetry and Portraits' in a Deluxe Colour Version with Supplementary Material including a veteran with links to Rochdale”.
There is a Black and White Version with Supplementary Material that should be going live soon as well.
Both include additional and new Veterans Interviews, More Poetry, Some Extended Veterans stories from the originals in the book from all nationalities and cultures, nearly 80 pages more!
This will make a great read for those interested in National and World History, and that of World War Two and other conflicts as well.
These new books certainly are highly and more illustrated than his previous books have been, enhancing the visual interest and pleasure of seeing/reading them.
An exemplary recital at TLC, sophisticated and enjoyable.
Review by Dr Joe Dawson
Distinguished baritone John Powell studied music at Cambridge and has lived and worked in Manchester ever since, enjoying an extensive career as a singer, both in radio choirs and as a soloist. A member of the BBC Northern Singers (and a founder member of the Britten Singers) he has performed frequently on Radio, TV and at major festivals. Recitals now form the core of his singing life, thereby helping to keep a noble tradition alive.
John taught at Chetham's, including running the school's choirs, then the National Youth Choir, Bolton School and the University of York. He now teaches privately and conducts the Tatton Singers, Bolton Festival Choir (including Phoenix Choir), Wigan Choral Society and others.
Carol Kwater is an organist, accompanist and music teacher much in demand as an accompanist for soloists and various choral groups, including Wigan Choral Society and Bolton Festival Choir and is also Musical Director of St Helens Choral Society and currently Director of Music at St Wilfrid’s Church, Standish.
Their carefully crafted recital was meticulously introduced by John, on the theme of adoration. Britten’s tender setting of The Salley Gardens was followed by songs by Fauré, Stanford and three by Howells including the charming and quirky Miss T.
A change of mood gave us a chance to hear some contemporary music: Jane England collaborated with Martin Lessons (both of whom were in attendance) in setting Gerald Manley Hopkins’ Spring and Fall, followed by An Epitaph by Gurney in similar reflective mood.
Carol Kwater accompanied expertly throughout and played the piano solo Rosemary by Frank Bridge superbly. Also, John sang solo very effectively in Jonathan Dove’s unaccompanied piece My Love is Mine. The two joined together again for Three Marian songs (Mediaeval texts to the Virgin Mary) by Martin Lessons, the last of which, was a first performance. It was great to hear new music introduced into the classic recital format, even better to have the composer in the room!
From the celestial to the unashamedly Romantic, with songs by Chausson and Hahn before we came crashing to earth with Britten’s sardonic arrangement of ‘Lord! I married me a wife’. Indeed, it brought the house down.
This was an exemplary recital from two experienced and engaging performers. It was great to see the noble tradition of the song recital continuing – and including first (and second) performances.
The Queen’s Award-winning Toad Lane Concerts are every Wednesday at 12.30pm at the Grade 1 listed church of St Mary in the Baum, Rochdale, OL16 1DZ. Entrance fee is £6 cash. Contact 01706 648872 for further information.
Octagon Christmas Comedy Club
Preview by Steve Cooke
Octagon Comedy Club is back by popular demand with a brand new Christmas Edition in the run up to the festive season.
This promises to be a hilarious night of live stand-up from some of the best names in comedy.
Edinburgh Festival Fringe favourite Louise Leigh, will be bringing big belly laughs, alongside award-winning comedian and podcaster Raul Kohli, together with the ever-popular stand up Mick Ferry and the original stylings of the seriously funny writer and performer, Rob Thomas.
£19
Friday 19 December 2025, 19:30
The Studio, The Octagon, Howell Croft South, Bolton, BL1 1SB
Helios From Oldham Coliseum
Preview by Steve Cooke
A lad lives half way up a historic hill. A teenager is on a road trip to the city in a stolen car. A boy is driving a chariot, pulling the sun across the sky.
A story about the son of the god of the sun, HELIOS transplants the Ancient Greek tale into a modern-day myth wound round the winding roads of rural England - and into the everyday living of a towering city. It’s a story about life, the invisible monuments we build to it, and the little things that leave big marks.
From ‘Masters of Storytelling’ (FOURTHWALL) Wright&Grainger, HELIOS is the award-winning follow up to the internationally acclaimed ORPHEUS, EURYDICE, and THE GODS THE GODS THE GODS. Join them in a little room with a tape player - and a delicate tale to tell.
Tickets from £12
Thursday 27 November: 7:30pm
George Street Chapel, 58 George St, Oldham OL1 1LS
George St Chapel is accessible with lift access at the back of the building, which would provide access to the main seating area, however not the top floor seating. There are accessible toilets. Wheelchairs can be accommodated.
A Christmas Carol
Preview by Steve Cooke
Marley was dead… to begin with!
Join Ebenezer Scrooge on a supernatural journey into the past, present and yet-to-come. The chilling atmosphere of Victorian London is brought to life, and the spirits of Christmas return from the dead – all through the spellbinding art of storytelling in this thrilling solo show.
Adapted and performed by Adam Z. Robinson in his inimitable style, this production of A Christmas Carol teases out the gothic aspects, presenting Dickens’ remarkable story as you’ve never seen it before. This enthralling version is by turns hair-raising, thrilling and heartwarming.
Using a combination of gripping narration, eerie recorded voices and an immersive soundscape, the show will transport you to the office of Scrooge and Marley, the humble Cratchit household and the fearful, final resting place of that most infamous miser.
It’s like gathering round a fireside and being invited into the world of this Christmas classic. With Robinson portraying 28 different characters in the show, this is an extraordinary experience not to be missed this Christmas.
Recommended for ages 10+
Wheel chair / pram accessible
Tickets from £10.00
Monday 1 December: 7:30pm
Rochdale Ukrainian Centre, Mere Street, Rochdale, Greater Manchester, OL16 1AZ
RECOMMENDED
Wednesday 12 November 2025
Toad Lane Concerts - Rochdale's Weekly Music at Lunchtime
This week we have - Nina Savicevic piano (St Petersburg & 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 13 November 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, 13 November 2025
Reading group - Castleton Library and Community Centre
Read, share and discuss a range of fiction and non-fiction in our reading group.
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.
For adults no booking required, you can just turn up.
Free
11am - 12pm
Castleton Library, 604 Manchester Road, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Friday, 14 November 2025
Reading Group - Heywood Library
Discover new authors and discuss books with other readers at this friendly and relaxed reading group.
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.
Refreshments will be provided.
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
Friday, 14 November 2025
Castleton Literary and Scientific Society – all welcome
Mike Moore ELR Engineer - The East Lancashire Railway – behind the scenes in workshops with volunteers
Membership £25 per year, £3 per evening for non-members.
Phone: 07724135099
Castleton Community Centre, Castleton, Rochdale OL11 3AF
Car Park and accessible entrance behind the Centre off Keswick Street
Saturday, 15 November 2025
Lego Club - Rochdale Central Library
Get creative with Lego and join our free club.
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.
No need to book, you can just turn up.
Free
12pm - 1pm
Rochdale Central Library, Number One Riverside, Smith Street, Rochdale OL16 1XU
celebrating creative arts and artists - an oasis of positivity supporting individual and community wellbeing.
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